Harmine derivatives, intermediates used in their preparations, preparation processes and use therefo

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4  and R 5  are as defined in the specification; intermediates used in their preparation, preparation processes and use thereof. The present invention produces new harmine derivatives with enhanced antitumour activity and lower nervous system toxicity by structurally modification of the parent structure of β-carboline of harmines at position 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9. The compounds of the present invention can be prepared easily with high yield. They can be used in manufacture of a variety of antitumour medicines and medicines used in treatment of tumour diseases in combination of light or radiation therapy.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical compounds, and specifically relates to alkaloid compounds, and more specifically, to harmine derivatives of formula (I), intermediates used in their preparation, processes for preparing the same and uses thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Harmine belongs to the family of β-carboline alkaloids, its chemical name is 7-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrrole[3,4-b]indole, and its molecular formula is C₁₃H₁₂N₂O. It has a molecular weight of 212.25 and a melting point of 261° C. The chemical structure of harmine is shown as follows:

Harmine and its analogs thereof are widely distributed in nature. Numerous researches on the synthesis of harmine derivatives have been reported since harmine was first isolated from Peganum harmala. More than 300 harmine derivatives have been reported by far, and the number of new harmine derivatives still keeps increasing.

Previous reports and our preliminary investigation results demonstrated that harmine and its derivatives have significant antitumor activities, but also caused remarkbale acute neurotoxicity characterized by tremble, twitch, and jumping in experimental mice model. Results of investigation on the in vitro anti-tumor activity of harmine and its derivatives showed that these compounds had significant inhibition effect on several cultured tumor cell lines, such as Hela cells (cervical carcinoma), S-180 cells (sarcoma), BEL-7402 cells (hepatoma), MGC-803 cells (gastric carcinoma), CNE2 cells (nasopharyngeal carcinoma), MA782′5S cells (breast cancer) and K562 cells (leucocythemia). Results of investigation on the in vivo antitumor activities of the total alkaloids and mixed alkaloids extracted from Peganum harmala plants, dominating ingredients of which were harmine and harmine derivatives, such as harmaline, harmalol and harman, displayed significant therapeutic effect on mice bearing Sarcoma (S180), reticulum cell sarcoma L2 and hepatoma. Moreover, these extracts exhibited significant synergistic effect when combined with cisplatin and adriamycin. However, neurotoxicities were the predominant acute toxic effects observed in mice receiving harmine and its derivatives, the acute toxic effects included tremble, twitch, erection of the tail and eclampsia. Death occurred mostly in the high dosage group. Survival animals would relieve and recover gradually in the next day after administration. Sub-acute toxicity test in rats showed that total alkaloids, extracted from Peganum harmala plants, can induce renal pathological change and kidney is the toxic target organ of the total alkaloids. Meanwhile, harmine and its derivatives do not exhibit obvious toxicity toward hemopoietic system, immune system, and reproductive system. What's more, long-term toxic side effects are not obvious.

Though present harmine and its analogs thereof have significant anti-tumor activity, they have also remarkable neurotoxicity. There are still no compounds having significant anti-tumor activity, together with low neurotoxicity, clinically used as anti-tumor medicaments.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The objects of this invention are to overcome the above defects of the prior art, and provide novel harmine derivatives with enhanced anti-tumor activity and lower neurotoxicity as well as easy preparation processes with high yields.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide novel harmine derivatives of formula (I).

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for preparing compounds of formula (I).

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for preparing 1,7,9-trisubstituted-β-carboline derivatives.

Another object of this invention is to provide 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid, esters and salts thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide 9-substituted β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid, esters and salts thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for preparing ethyl 9-substituted 1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for preparing 2,9-dibenzyl-β-carbolinium iodate.

Another object of this invention is to provide a process for preparing 2,9-dibenzyl-1-methyl-β-carbolinium bromate.

Another object of this invention is to provide intermediate compounds of formula (9a-16a) for the synthesis of said compounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide intermediate compounds of formula (9b-16b) for the synthesis of said compounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide intermediate compounds of formula (21a) for the synthesis of said compounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide intermediate compounds of formula (53a-55a) for the synthesis of said compounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide intermediate compounds of formula (10b) for the synthesis of said compounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide the use of said compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for treating tumors.

Another object of this invention is to provide the use of said compounds in the manufacture of a medicament, combined with phototherapy and radiation therapy, for treating tumors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Harmine derivatives of this invention have a structure of the following formula (I):

wherein R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ primary, secondary and tertiary linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl or 1-5 halogen, nitro or amino arylalkyl, heterocyclic group or alkenyl; R₂ is hydrogen, carboxyl, ester group, carboxylate, acylamino, acyl halide group or C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, or heterocyclic oxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxylic esters, carboxylic salts, arylalkoxy, or heterocyclic oxy group; R₄ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ hydroxyalkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl or 1-5 halogen arylalkyl, arylhydrocarbyl, arylcarboxyl, aryl ester group, arylamino group, arylnitro group, or heterocyclic group; R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ primary, secondary and tertiary linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl and 1-5 substituted arylalkyl, arylhydrocarbyl, arylcarboxyl, aryl ester group, arylamino group, arylnitro group, or heterocyclic group; and R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ do not represent hydrogen at the same time, X⁻ is a halogen, sulfonic group, sulfuric group, or nitric acid group; When R₂ and R₄ are hydrogen, R₁ is not methyl and R₃ is not methoxy; When R₁ is methyl, R₂, R₃ and R₄ do not represent hydrogen at the same time; When R₁ is methyl, R₂ is hydrogen, and R₃ is methoxy, R₄ is not methyl, ethyl or butyl; and When R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen, R₂ is not methoxycarbonyl and R₄ is not methyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₁ is preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or C₆₋₈ arylalkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₁ is preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₂ alkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₁ is most preferably hydrogen.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₂ is preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₂ is preferably hydrogen or C₁₋₂ alkoxycarbonyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₂ is preferably ethoxycarbonyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₃ is preferably hydrogen, hydroxyl or C₁₋₄ alkyloxy.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₃ is preferably hydrogen.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₄ is preferably hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ hydroxyalkyl or C₆₋₈ arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₄ is preferably hydrogen, C₁₋₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂ hydroxyalkyl, or C₆₋₈ arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₄ is preferably ethyl or benzyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), R₄ is preferably benzyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or C₆₋₈ arylalkyl, R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester group, carboxylate, halogen or C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy, R₄ is hydrogen or C₁₋₂ alkyl, C₁₋₂ hydroxyalkyl, C₆₋₈ arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl, and R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ primary, second, tertiary linear or branched alkyl and C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl and substituted arylalkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is C₁₋₂ alkoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, and R₄ is C₁₋₂ alkyl or C₆₋₈ arylalkyl or substituted arylalkyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, and R₄ is ethyl or benzyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, and R₄ is benzyl.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), most preferably, R₁ is methyl, R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, R₄ is pentafluorobenzyl, and R₅ is hydrogen.

In the compounds of the above formula (I), most preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is hydrogen, R₃ is hydrogen, R₄ is benzyl, R₅ is benzyl, and X is bromine.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) dissolving harmine (1) into an organic solvent or a mixed organic solvent;

2) adding 60% NaH and stirring it until there is no bubble formed; 3) adding halogenated alkane; 4) stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature for 1 to 5 h; and 5) subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) dissolving L-tryptophan and NaOH in water; 2) adding formaldehyde; 3) stirring and reacting said mixture at a temperature range from 0° C. to reflux for 1 to 6 h; and 4) subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment to produce 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (9a).

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) dissolving β-carboline-3-carboxylate into an organic solvent or a mixed organic solvent; 2) adding 60% NaH and stirring it until there is no bubble formed; 3) adding halogenated alkane or halogenated aromatic alkane; 4) stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature, or by heating for 2 to 5 h; and 5) subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 9-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) dissolving 1-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylate into an organic solvent; 2) adding 60% NaH and stirring it for 1 to 10 minutes; 3) adding halogenated alkane or halogenated aromatic alkane; 4) reacting said mixture at room temperature, or refluxing said mixture by heating; and 5) after the reaction is finished, subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce ethyl 9-substituted-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylates.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) mixing compound 10b of the following formula with glacial acetic acid,

2) adding selenium dioxide; 3) refluxing said mixture by heating for 12 h; and 4) after the reaction is finished, subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce β-carboline.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) mixing compound 10 of the following formula with an organic solvent and 60% NaH;

wherein R₁=H and R₂=C₂H₅; 2) stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature for 1 to 10 minutes; 3) adding benzyl iodide; 4) stirring and reacting the mixture at a temperature of from 50 to 70° C. for 1 to 5 h; and 5) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium iodate.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) mixing compound 10 of the following formula with an organic solvent and 60% NaH;

wherein R₁=H and R₂=C₂H₅; 2) adding benzyl bromide; 3) stirring and reacting said mixture at a temperature of from 50 to 70° C. for 1 to 10 h; and 5) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium bromate.

A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 of this invention comprises the following steps:

1) mixing compound 80 of the following formula with an organic solvent and 60% NaH;

2) adding benzyl bromide or benzyl iodide; 3) stirring and reacting said mixture at a temperature of from 50 to 70° C. for 1 to 10 h; and 5) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 2,9-diphenylmethyl-β-carboline bromide or iodide salts.

This invention also prepares intermediates for the synthesis of the above compounds, i.e. compounds of the following formula (9a-16a):

wherein R₁ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, unsubstituted or halogenated phenyl, phenylmethyl, or phenylpropyl.

This invention also prepares intermediates for the synthesis of the above compounds, i.e. compounds of the following formula (9b-16b):

wherein R₁ and R₃ are the same as R₁ in the compounds of formula (9a-16a) as defined above.

This invention also prepares intermediates for the synthesis of the above compounds, i.e. compounds of the following formula (21a):

wherein R₁ is the same as R₁ in the compounds of formula (9a-16a) as defined above.

This invention also prepares intermediates for the synthesis of the above compounds, i.e. compounds of the following formula (53a-55a):

wherein R₉ is methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, phenylmethyl, phenylpropyl, polyhalogenated phenylmethyl or polyhalogenated phenylpropyl.

This invention also prepares intermediates for the synthesis of the above compounds, i.e. compounds of the following formula (10b):

wherein R₁ and R₃ are the same as R₁ in the compounds of formula (9a-16a) as defined above.

Tests on the in vitro anti-tumor activity and studies on the in vivo anti-tumor therapeutic effect of the compounds of this invention showed that the compounds of this invention exhibit enhanced anti-tumor activities and lower neurotoxicities or no neurotoxicities. Moreover, processes for preparing the compounds of this invention are easy and have high yields. The compounds of this invention can be used for the manufacture of a medicament having low toxicity and high efficacy and useful for treating tumors.

It is demonstrated that the compounds of this invention, under UV excitation conditions, have photo induced DNA cleaving effect, which shows the structure-activity relationships between this kind of structure and anti-tumor activity. Therefore the compounds of this invention can also be used for the manufacture of a medicament for treating tumors in combination with phototherapy and radiation therapy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the photocleavage of supercoiled pGBK by β-carboline derivatives: wherein

Lane 1: DNA alone, lane 2: DNA+UV irradiation, lane 3: DNA+compound (1000 uM) without UV irradiation, lanes 4 to 10: DNA+compound+UV irradiation, the concentrations of the compound are respectively 1000, 300, 100, 30, 10, 3 and 1 (uM). Uppermost band: circular nicked DNA, middle band: linear DNA, and lowermost band: supercoiled DNA.

FIG. 2 illustrates the effect of binding by β-carboline derivatives on the thermal stability of the CT-DNA.

FIG. 3 illustrates the effect of absorbance by β-carboline derivatives on the UV spectrum of the CT-DNA.

FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of β-carboline derivatives on the activity of DNA topoisomerase I in a cell free system.

The reaction system (20 ul) containing 35 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 50 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl2, 1 mM DTT, 2 mM spermidine, 0.1 mM EDTA, 50 mg·l-1 BSA and 0.25 ug supercoiled pGBK DNA and 1 U topoisomerase I. Lane 1: DNA alone; lane 2: DNA+topoisomerase I, lane 3: DNA+topoisomerase I+250 uM camptothecin, lanes 4 to 9 and 10 to 15, same as lane 2, but with 2000 uM, 600 uM, 200 uM, 60 uM, 20 uM and 6 uM β-carboline derivatives, respectively. A represents compounds 80 and 81. B represents compounds 82 and 83. C represents compounds 37 and 36. D represents compounds 42 and 48. E represents compounds 49 and 66. Form I represents circular nicked DNA. Form II represents linear DNA. Form III represents supercoiled DNA.

FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of β-carboline derivatives on the activity of DNA topoisomerase II in a cell free system.

The reaction system (20 ul) containing 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH8.0), 120 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM DTT, 0.5 mM ATP, 30 mg·l⁻¹ BSA and 0.25 ug supercoiled pGBK DNA and 1 U topoisomerase II. Lane 1: DNA alone, Lane 2: DNA+topoisomerase II, Lane 3 to 8 and 9 to 14, same as Lane 2, but with 2000 uM, 600 uM, 200 uM, 60 uM, 20 uM and 6 uM β-carboline derivatives. A represents compounds 37 and 36. B represents compounds 49 and 66. C represents compounds 48 and 86. Form I represents circular nicked DNA. Form II represents linear DNA. Form III represents supercoiled DNA.

FIG. 6 illustrates the FCM analysis of apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by β-carboline derivative (Compound 60).

FIG. 7 illustrates the TLC of harmine and 1,7,9-trisubstituted-β-carboline derivatives,

Wherein

Developing solvent: (Ethyl Acetate) Detection wavelength: UV254 nm Dots 1 to 8 represent compounds 1 to 8, respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates the FAB-MS spectrum of 9-phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline.

FIG. 9 illustrates the IR spectrum of 9-phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline.

FIG. 10 illustrates the UV spectrum of 9-phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline.

FIG. 11 illustrates the ¹H-NMR spectrum of 9-phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline.

FIG. 12 illustrates the photomicrographs of β-carboline derivatives to human tumor cell HepG2

FIG. 13 illustrates the anti-tumor effect of β-carboline derivatives on Lewis lung cancer.

FIG. 14 illustrates the anti-tumor effect of β-carboline derivatives on S180 sarcoma.

FIG. 15 illustrates the synthetic routes of the research of the modification to the structures of β-carboline derivatives.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Description of Examples Synthesis of 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives Experimental Instruments and Reagents Experimental Instruments:

RE-52C rotary evaporator (Hennan Yuhua Instrument Plant), SHZ-D (III) circulation vacuum water pump (Hennan Yuhua Instrument Plant), UV-8 UV array analysis meter (Wuxi Keda Instrument Plant), YRT-3 melting point apparatus (Precision Instrument Plant, Tianjin University), ZAB-HS double focusing magnetic mass spectrometer (VG Analytical, UK), Bruker Equinox 55 Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, KBr tablet, UV 2501PC UV spectrograph (Shimadzu, Japan), and Varian INOVA500 MRI spectrometer (Varian Inc. U.S.) were used. TMS is the internal standard, and CDCl₃ is the solvent.

Chemical Reagents

Harmine 1 having a purity of 99%, provided by Xinjiang Huashidan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., methyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhejiang Yuhuan Biochemical Reagent Plant), ethyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhejiang Yuhuan Biochemical Reagent Plant), iodo-n-butane (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), 2-iodoethanol (Acros Organic, U.S.), benzyl bromide (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co.), 1-bromo-phenylpropane (Acros Organic, U.S.), α-bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl (Acros Organic, U.S.), and other domestically produced analytically pure or chemically pure reagents were used.

Operation Steps Example 1 General procedure for the preparation of 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives

Harmine 1 (2.1 g, 10 mmol), DMF (50 ml) and THF (50 ml) were respectively added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and stirred at room temperature until the mixture became clear. Then 60% NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol) was added and stirred until there were no bubbles formed. Alkyl halide (50 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 5 h. THF was evaporated in reduced pressure, and the residues were poured into cold water. The mixture was adjusted to pH 3 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl ether. The aqueous phase was neutralized with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase were combined, and washed with water and brine, then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered and evaporated in reduced pressure. The residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent. Upon recrystallization, crystals were obtained. Examples 2 to 5 were all treated according to the above procedures.

Example 2 Synthesis of 7-methoxyl-1,9-dimethyl-β-carboline (2)

Afforded gray needle crystals (1.8 g, 80%), mp 121-123° C.

Example 3 Synthesis of 7-methoxyl-9-ethyl-1-methyl-β-carboline (3)

Afforded gray needle crystals (2.0 g, 80%), mp 99-101° C.

Example 4 Synthesis of 7-methoxyl-9-n-butyl-1-methyl-β-carboline (4)

Afforded gray needle crystals (2.1 g, 78%), mp 104-105° C.

Example 5 Synthesis of 9-hydroxyethyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline (5)

Afforded white crystals (0.7 g, 54%), mp 204-206° C.

Example 6 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline (6)

Harmine 1 (2.1 g, 10 mmol), DMF (50 ml) and THF (50 ml) were respectively added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and were stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes followed by the addition of 60% NaH (1.2 g, 30 mmol). The mixture was stirred until there were no bubbles formed. Benzyl bromide (3 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was then refluxed by heating for 8 h. THF was evaporated in reduced pressure, and the residues were poured into cold water. The mixture was adjusted to pH 3.0 with concentrated HCl, and extracted with ethyl ether. The aqueous phase was neutralized (pH8) with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, evaporated in reduced pressure and then recrystallized with ethyl acetate to afford gray crystals (2.2 g, 67%). mp 131-133° C.

Example 7 Synthesis of 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline (7)

Harmine 1 (0.53 g, 2.5 mmol), 15 ml of DMF and 15 ml of THF were respectively added in a 100 ml round-bottom flask, and were stirred at room temperature until the mixture became clear. 60% NaH (0.3 g, 7.5 mmol) was added and stirred until there were no bubbles formed. α-Bromo-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl (0.5 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 1 hour. Later the mixture was treated in a manner to that described for compound 2 to afford gray needle crystals (0.64 g 65%), mp 173-174° C.

Example 8 Synthesis of 9-phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline (8)

Harmine 1 (0.53 g, 2.5 mmol), DMF (15 ml) and THF (15 ml) were respectively added in a 100 ml round-bottom flask, and stirred at room temperature until the mixture became clear, then 60% NaH (0.3 g, 7.5 mol) was added and stirred until there were no bubbles formed. 1-Brombenzenepropropane (2 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was refluxed for 12 h. THF was evaporated in reduced pressure. The residues were poured into 30 ml cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, and washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, evaporated in reduced pressure, and the residue dissolved in 50 anhydrous ethanol. The pH was adjusted to 4 with concentrated HCl, the mixture were concentrated in vacuum and then recrystallized with acetone to afford yellow solids. The solids were dissolved into a mixed solution of water and ethyl acetate. The pH was adjusted to 8 with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The organic layer was isolated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered, concentrated, and recrystallized with ethyl ether to afford gray needle crystals (0.42 g, 51%), mp 117-118° C.

Physico-chemical constants, TLC and spectra analyses of 1,7,9-substituted β-carboline derivatives

TABLE 6 Physico-chemical data of 1,7,9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Compd Formula FW Yield (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 1 C₁₃H₁₂N₂O 212 — gray needle Soluble in organic 260-261 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 2 C₁₄H₁₄N₂O 226 80 gray needle Soluble in organic 121-123 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 3 C₁₅H₁₆N₂O 240 83 gray needle Soluble in organic 99-101 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 4 C₁₇H₂₀N₂O 268 78 gray needle Soluble in organic 104-105 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 5 C₁₅H₁₆N₂O₂ 256 62 white crystal Soluble in organic 204-206 solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 6 C₂₀H₁₈N₂O 302 54 gray needle Soluble in organic 131-133 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 7 C₁₅H₁₁F₅N₂O 392 65 gray needle Soluble in organic 173-174 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble 8 C₂₀H₂₂N₂O 330 51 gray needle Soluble in organic 117-118 crystal solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and ester, and water-insoluble

TABLE 7 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 1,7,9-substituted β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV Compd Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (λ_(max,) nm) 1 C₁₃H₁₂N₂O 213 ND ND 2 C₁₄H₁₄N₂O 227 3451, 3380, 2744, 1628, 1570, 345, 332, 302, 1469, 1348, 1249, 1152, 1045, 264, 244, 213 810 3 C₁₅H₁₆N₂O 241 3362, 3128, 1622, 1564, 1497, 344, 332, 302, 1451, 1346, 1262, 1217, 1136, 264, 243, 213 1095, 812 4 C₁₇H₂₀N₂O 269 3428, 2959, 2927, 2863, 1884, 346, 333, 302, 1621, 1563, 1497, 1448, 1356, 265, 244, 213 1242, 1197, 1137, 812 5 C₁₅H₁₆N₂O₂ 257 3294, 2696, 1629, 1569, 1467, 327, 304, 248, 1352, 1155, 1051, 810 210 6 C₂₀H₁₈N₂O 303 3421, 2958, 1620, 1565, 1498, 396, 342, 330, 1447, 1404, 1361, 1256, 1197, 301, 244, 209 1172, 1044, 825 7 C₁₅H₁₁F₅N₂O 393 2961, 2836, 1622, 1502, 1446, 337, 325, 300, 1256, 1174, 1122, 1026, 974 240, 208 816 8 C₂₀H₂₂N₂O 330 3052, 2995, 2931, 2666, 1881, 345, 332, 302, 1623, 1563, 1449, 1408, 1238, 265, 244, 210 1156, 1043, 801, 744, 702

TABLE 8 ¹H-NMR data of 1,7,9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Compd ¹H-NMR (δ, CDCl₃) 2 8.24-8.25 (1H, m, H-5), 7.93-7.96 (1H, m, H-3), 7.69-7.71 (1H, m, H-4), 6.86-6.89 (1H, m, H-8), 6.81-6.83 (1H, m, H-6), 4.04-4.07 (3H, m, NCH₃,), 3.94-3.95 (3H, m, OCH₃), 3.04-3.05 (3H, m, Ar—CH₃) 3 8.26-8.27 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-5), 7.96-7.98 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-3), 7.74-7.75 (1H, d, J = 4.5 Hz, H-4), 6.86-6.90 (2H, m, H-8, H-6), 4.52-4.57 (2H, m, CH₂CH₃), 3.95 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.05 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.43-1.46 (3H, m, CH₂CH₃) 4 8.26-8.28 (1H, d, J = 5.5 Hz, H-5), 7.95-7.97 (1H, d, J = 9 Hz, H-3), 7.71-7.72 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-4), 6.85-6.88 (2H, m, H-8, H-6), 4.43-4.46 (2H, m, J = 8 Hz, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3.94 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.01 (3H, s, Ar—CH3), 1.78-1.84 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.41-1.48 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.97-1.00 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 5 8.15-8.16 (1H, d, J = 4 Hz, H-5), 7.93-7.94 (1H, d, J = 3.5 Hz, H-3), 7.63-7.64 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-4), 6.88-6.95 (2H, m, H-8, H-6), 4.66-4.71 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂OH), 4.06-4.08 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂OH), 3.94 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.99 (3H, s, CH₃) 6 8.29-8.30 (1H, d, J = 5.5 Hz, H-5), 8.01-8.02 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-3), 7.80-7.81 (1H, d, J = 5.5 Hz, H-4), 7.23-7.30 (3H, m, H-8, H-6, Ar—H), 6.98-7.00 (1H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, Ar—H), 6.90-6.92 (1H, m, Ar—H), 6.76 (1H, s, Ar—H), 5.75 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 3.85 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.88 (3H, s, CH₃) 7 8.32-8.33 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-5), 7.94-7.95 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-3), 7.72-7.73 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-4), 7.26 (1H, s, H-8), 6.87-6.89 (1H, m, H-6), 5.85 (2H, s, CH₂Ar), 3.88 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.05 (3H, s, Ar—CH₃) 8 8.25-8.26 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-5), 7.92-7.94 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-3), 7.69-7.70 (1H, d, J = 5.0 Hz, H-4), 7.29-7.32 (2H, m, H-8, H-6), 7.20-7.25 (3H, m, Ar—H), 6.84-6.86 (1H, m, Ar—H), 6.63-6.64 (1H, m, Ar—H), 4.42-4.45 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 3.84-3.85 (3H,, OCH₃), 2.88 (3H, s, CH₃), 2.74-2.77 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.12-2.18 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar)

Spectra Analyses of Typical Compounds

See FIGS. 8 to 11 for the spectrum analyses of compound 8.

Synthesis of 3- and 1,3-disubstituted β-carboline alkaloids Experimental Instruments and Reagents

Experimental instruments are as defined above.

Chemical Reagents

L-tryptophan (Acros Organic, U.S.), formaldehyde solution (analytically pure, Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Plant), 40% acetaldehyde (analytically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), propionaldehyde (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), n-butyraldehyde (analytically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), benzaldehyde (analytically pure, Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Plant), 4-methoxy benzaldehyde (analytically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group) and p-hydroxy benzaldehyde (analytically pure, Shanghai Shuangxi Flavor Adjuvant Plant), and domestically manufactured analytically pure or chemically pure reagents were used.

Synthetic Routes and Operational Steps

Example 9 Synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (9a)

L-tryptophan (10.2 g, 50 mmol), NaOH (2.0 g, 50 mmol) and H₂O (20 ml) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and were stirred until the mixture became clear followed by the addition of formaldehyde (37%, 50 mmol). The mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 3 h. After being refluxed for another 3 h, the mixture was poured into 200 ml cold water. While being stirred, the mixture was adjusted to pH 6 with 5N HCl. White solids were precipitated and then stored at 4° C. overnight. The white solids were filtered, washed well with water and a small amount of methanol, dried, and recrystallized with methanol to obtain white solids (9.2 g, 85%), mp 308-309° C. (reference: 309-310° C.).

Example 10 General procedure for the preparation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid 9a (50 mmol), methanol or ethanol (250 ml) and thionyl chloride (10 ml) were added into a 500 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 1 to 2 h. After alcohol was evaporated in reduced pressure, 100 ml cold water was added. The pH was adjusted to 9 with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. Then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated in vacuum. Recrystallization was conducted with ethyl acetate. Examples 11 and 12 were treated according to the above procedures.

Example 11 Synthesis of methyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (9b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 57%.

Example 12 Synthesis of ethyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10b)

white needle crystals were obtained, and the yield was 63%.

Example 13 General procedure for the preparation of β-carboline-3-carboxylates

Compound 9b-10b (50 mmol), anhydrous xylene (200 ml) and sulfur (200 mmol) were added into a 100 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 12 h and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was stored at 4° C. overnight to precipitate light yellow crystals. After filtration and wash with a small amount of cold xylene and wash liberally with petroleum ether, the solids were dissolved into 2000 ml of a corresponding alcohol. The solids were decolorized with activated carbon and filtered with 200 to 300 meshes silica gel. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuum and recrystallized with a corresponding alcohol. Examples 14 and 15 were treated according to the above procedures.

Example 14 Synthesis of methyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (9)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 66%, mp 308-309° C.

Example 15 Synthesis of ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 77%, mp 230-231° C. (reference^([1]): 231-232° C.).

Example 16 Synthesis of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (11a)

L-tryptophan (5.10 g, 25 mmol), H₂SO₄ (0.01 M, 30 ml) and 40% acetaldehyde (9 ml) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and then stirred and reacted at room temperature for 8 h. After filtration, wash with water and drying, white solids (4.0 g, 69%) were obtained.

Example 17 Synthesis of 1-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (12a)

L-tryptophan (5.10 g, 25 mmol), water (300 ml), H₂SO₄ (0.05M, 30 ml) and propionaldehyde (8 ml) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and then stirred and reacted at room temperature for 24 h. After filtration, wash with water and drying, white solids (4.5 g, 74%) were obtained.

Example 18 Synthesis of 1-propyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (13a)

L-tryptophan (5.10 g, 25 mmol), water (300 ml), H₂SO₄ (0.5M, 50 ml), n-butyraldehyde (10 ml) and ethanol (100 ml) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and then stirred and reacted at room temperature for 24 h. After filtration, wash with water and drying, white solids (3.75 g, 58%) were obtained.

Example 19 General procedure for the preparation of ethyl 1-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

1-Alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid 11a-13a (20 mmol), and anhydrous ethanol (250 ml) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask. Redistilled thionyl chloride (6 ml) was carefully added. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h. Ethanol was then evaporated in reduced pressure to afford white solids. The white solids were dissolved in 100 ml water. Saturated NaHCO₃ was used to conduct neutralization. Extraction was conducted with ethyl acetate. Organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered, concentrated in vacuum and recrystallized with ethyl acetate. Examples 20 to 22 were treated according to the above procedures.

Example 20 Synthesis of ethyl 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (11b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 71%.

Example 21 Synthesis of ethyl 1-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (12b)

white solids was obtained, and the yield was 52%.

Example 22 Synthesis of ethyl 1-propyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (13b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 84%.

Example 23 General procedure for the preparation of ethyl 1-alkyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

Ethyl 1-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate 11b-13b (20 mmol), sulfur (60 mmol) and xylene (200 ml) were added into a 500 ml round-bottom flask and then refluxed for 10 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature. After being stored at 4° C. overnight, light yellow solids were precipitated. After filtration and wash with a small amount of cold xylene and wash well with petroleum ether, the solids were dissolved into 2000 ml of anhydrous ethanol. The solids were decolorized with activated carbon and filtered with 200 to 300 meshes silica gel. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuum and recrystallized with ethyl acetate. Examples 24 to 26 were conducted according to the above operation steps.

Example 24 Synthesis of ethyl 1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (11)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 48%, and mp 217-218° C.

Example 25 Synthesis of ethyl 1-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (12)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 47%, and mp 209-210° C.

Example 26 Synthesis of ethyl 1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (13)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 58%, and mp 194-195° C.

Example 27 General procedure for the preparation of 1-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acids

L-tryptophan (50 mmol), a corresponding aromatic aldehyde (55 mmol), H₂SO₄ (0.5M, 50 ml), H₂O (150 ml) and ethanol (100 ml) were added in a 550 ml round-bottom flask, and then refluxed for 5 h. After adding concentrated ammonia (100 ml), the mixture was refluxed for another hour. Ethanol was evaporated. The resulting solution was cooled and extracted with ethyl ether. The aqueous phase was concentrated to 50 ml and was adjusted to pH 5, and the precipitate were then filtered, washed well with water and dried. Examples 28 to 30 were conducted according to the above operational steps.

Example 28 Synthesis of 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (14a)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 98%.

Example 29 Synthesis of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (15a)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 82%.

Example 30 Synthesis of 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (16a)

light yellow solids were obtained, and the yield was 94%.

Example 31 General procedure for the preparation of 1-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

1-Aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid 14a-16a (50 mmol) and methanol (250 ml) were respectively added into a 500 ml round-bottom flask. Redistilled thionyl chloride (20 ml) was carefully added. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. Methanol was evaporated in reduce pressure. After filtration and wash with a small amount of acetone, ash gray solids were obtained. The solids were dissolved in 300 ml cold water and adjusted to pH 9. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. After wash with water and brine, the organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and then recrystallized with ethyl acetate. Examples 32 to 34 were treated according to the above procedures.

Example 32 Methyl 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (14b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 95%.

Example 33 Methyl 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (15b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 90%.

Example 34 Methyl 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (16b)

white solids were obtained, and the yield was 85%.

Example 35 General procedure for the preparation of methyl 1-aryl-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

Methyl 1-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylate 14b-16b (20 mmol), sulfur (60 mmol), and xylene (200 ml) were respectively added into a 500 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 18 h and then cooled to room temperature. After being stored at 4° C. overnight, light yellow solids were precipitated. After filtration and wash with a small amount of cold xylene and wash well with petroleum ether, the solids were dissolved into 1000 ml of ethyl acetate, decolorized with activated carbon and filtered with 200 to 300 meshes silica gel. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuum and recrystallized with ethyl acetate. Examples 36 to 38 were conducted according to the above operation steps.

Example 36 Synthesis of methyl 1-phenyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (14)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 69%, and mp 257-258° C.

Example 37 Synthesis of methyl 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (15)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 63%, and mp 229-230° C.

Example 38 Synthesis of methyl 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (16)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 56%, and mp 267-269° C.

Example 39 Synthesis of β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (17)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol), NaOH (0.8 g, 20 mmol), ethanol (20 ml) and H₂O (40 ml) were added into a 50 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. Ethanol was then evaporated in reduced pressure. The mixture was adjusted to pH with 5M HCl. After cooling with cold water, filtration, wash well with water and recrystallization with ethanol, white solids (0.96 g, 90%) were obtained. and mp 307-309° C. (reference^([1]): 310° C.).

Example 40 Synthesis of butyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (18)

Compound 17 (2.1 g, 10 mmol), NaOH (0.8 g, 20 mmol), n-butanol (100 ml) and thionyl chloride (5 ml) were added into a 250 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 6 h. Excessive n-butanol was then removed in reduced pressure. The residues were dissolved in water followed by the addition of ethyl acetate. While being stirred, the mixture was adjusted to pH 8 with NaHCO₃ solution. The organic layer was isolated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorized with activated carbon and concentrated in vacuum. The residues were dissolved in ethyl acetate, and purified by silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent, the recrystallized with ethyl ether/petroleum ether (2:5) to afford white needle crystals (1.8 g, 67%), and mp 211-212° C. (reference [1]: 210-211° C.).

Example 41 Synthesis of 3-ethylamino-β-carboline-3-formamide (19)

Ethylenediamine (24 ml, 27 mmol) was added into a dry 250 ml three-neck round-bottom flask and heated to 80-90° C. While the mixture was stirred, compound 10 (2.4 g, 10 mmol) was added dropwise and dissolved in a solution of 40 ml chloroform and 30 ml methanol for about 1 h. The mixture was refluxed for 10 h, and the solvent was evaporated. A mixed solution of 50 ml chloroform and 20 ml water was added into the residues. After being stored at 4° C. overnight, light yellow solids were precipitated. After filtration and drying, white needle crystals (0.85 g, 30%) were obtained. and mp 233-236° C. (reference^([1]), 234-237° C., 25%).

Example 42 Synthesis of β-carboline-3-carbohydrazine (20)

Ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10) (2.4 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (50 ml) followed by adding 85% hydrazine hydrate (15 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 6 h and concentrated to 30 ml in reduced pressure. After cooling, filtration, wash with ethanol, and natural drying in the air, white solids were obtained (2.0 g, 80%), Samples for analysis could be recrystallized with 90% ethanol to form white flaring crystals, and mp 289-290° C. (reference^([100]): 289-291° C.).

Example 43 Synthesis of 3-(azidocarbonyl)-β-carboline (21a)

Concentrated HCl (1.0 ml) was added dropwise into a mixed suspension formed from compound 20 (2.0 g, 2.9 mmol) and water (50 ml). The light yellow solution was cooled in an ice bath to 0° C., and then an aqueous solution (10 ml) of nitrous acid (0.2 g, 2.9 mmol) was added dropwise to react with the light yellow solution at 0° C. for 30 minutes. The mixed reaction solution was then alkalified with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. Solids were collected by filtration, washed by water and vacuumly dried to afford light yellow solids (0.51 g, 77%). Said solids were apt to be decomposed, and further purification was not necessary and used directly for the next steps.

Example 44 Synthesis of 3-amino-β-carboline (21)

Compound 21a (0.6 g, 2.5 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of 30 ml water/glacial acetic acid (1:1). The mixture was refluxed for 1 h. Accompanied with the formation of carbon dioxide gas, the raw materials was gradually disappeared. Then the solvent was evaporated in reduced pressure. The solid residues were recrystallized by ethyl acetate and then filtered to obtain yellow sheet-like crystals (0.35 g, 77%), and mp 288-290° C. (reference^([100]): 289 to 291° C.).

Example 45 Synthesis of 3-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline (22)

Compound 21a (0.2 g, 0.84 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (50 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 10 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, concentrated to 40 ml in vacuum, recrystallized and filtered to obtain white solids (0.12 g, 60%). Samples for analysis could be recrystallized with ethanol, and mp 180-182° C., and then decomposed at 230° C.

Example 46 Synthesis of 3-[(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline (23)

Compound 21a (0.2 g, 0.84 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (50 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 10 h. The reaction liquid was cooled and concentrated to 40 ml in vacuum. After recrystallization and filtration, white solids (0.12 g, 60%) were obtained. Samples for analysis could be recrystallized with ethanol, and mp 222-224° C.

Example 47 Synthesis of 3-hydroxymethyl-β-carboline (24)

Compound 10 (7.0 g, 31 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (900 ml) followed by the addition of LiBH₄ (3.4 g, 155 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 9 h and then cooled. Water (100 ml) was added into the mixture and stirred overnight. Then the solvent was removed in reduced pressure. With the addition of water (500 ml), extraction was conducted with dichloromethane (1 L) and then with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, concentrated in vacuum and purified by silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate/methane (3:1) as the eluent to afford white solids (5.0 g, 82%), and mp 228-230° C. (reference^([2]): 225-228° C.).

Example 48 Synthesis of 3-acetylmethoxy-β-carboline (25)

Compound 24 (1.98 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with acetic acid (50 ml).

The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. The solvent was removed in reduced pressure. Water (100 ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuum, and recrystallized with ethyl ether to afford white needle crystals (2.2 g, 92%), and mp 131-132° C.

Physico-Chemical Properties, TLC and Spectra Analyses of 3- and 1,3-Substituted-β-Carboline Derivatives

TABLE 9 Physico-chemical data of 3- and 1,3-substituted-β-carboline derivatives Compd Formula FW Yield (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 9 C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₂ 226 66 white solids soluble in 259-260 alcohols, esters etc. 10 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 240 77 white solids soluble in 230-231 alcohols, esters etc. 11 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 254 48 white solids soluble in 217-218 alcohols, esters etc. 12 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 47 white solids soluble in 209-210 alcohols, esters etc. 13 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 282 58 white solids soluble in 194-195 alcohols, esters etc. 14 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 302 69 white solids soluble in 257-258 alcohols, esters etc. 15 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₃ 332 63 white solids soluble in 229-230 alcohols, esters etc. 16 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₃ 318 56 white solids soluble in 267-269 alcohols, esters etc. 17 C₁₂H₈N₂O₂ 212 90 light yellow soluble in 307-309 solids alcohols and DMSO 18 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 67 white solids soluble in 211-212 alcohols, esters etc. 19 C₁₄H₁₄N₄O 254 30 white solids soluble in 233-236 alcohols and DMSO 20 C₁₂H₁₀N₄O 226 80 white flaring slightly soluble 289-290 crystals in alcohols, soluble in DMSO 21 C₁₁H₉N₃ 183 77 yellow solids slightly soluble 289-291 in alcohols, soluble in DMSO 22 C₁₃H₁₁N₃O₂ 241 60 white solids soluble in 180-182 alcohols, esters etc. 23 C₁₄H₁₃N₃O₂ 255 60 white solids soluble in 221-223 alcohols, esters etc. 24 C₁₂H₁₀N₂O 198 82 white solids soluble in 226-228 alcohols, esters etc. 25 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 240 92 white soluble in 131-132 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chlorofom etc.

TABLE 10 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 3- and 1,3-substituted-β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV_(λ max) Comp Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (nm) 9 C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₂ 227 3258, 1724, 1627, 1502, 1434 ND 1341, 1301, 1251, 1100, 1022 10 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 241 ND ND 11 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 255 3316, 3041, 2978, 1709, 1567, 345, 330, 303, 1499, 1367, 1344, 1254, 1145, 270, 236, 219, 1031 204 12 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3327, 2974, 2930, 1705, 1566, 1498, 345, 331, 303, 1451, 1346, 1257, 1143, 1043 270, 236 13 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 283 3329, 2963, 1706, 1567, 1498, 1367, 346, 331, 302, 1344, 1252, 746 271, 237 14 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 303 3315, 1720, 1623, 1350, 1251, 1215, 355, 344, 279, 1098, 739 231 15 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₃ 333 3639, 3320, 1714, 1611, 1512, 357, 347, 284, 1351, 1255, 1103, 1033, 833, 268, 230, 215 16 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₃ 319 3459, 3159, 1715, 1691, 1610, 1513, 387, 340, 327, 1432, 1352, 1260, 839, 285, 215 17 C₁₂H₈N₂O₂ 213 2250-3750, 1630, 1585, 1372, 356, 337, 288, 1219, 752 282, 234, 212 18 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3233, 2957, 2868, 1708, 1627, ND 1553, 1501, 1462, 1339, 1304, 1248, 1102 19 C₁₄H₁₄N₄O 255 ND ND 20 C₁₂H₁₀N₄O 227 ND ND 21 C₁₁H₉N3 184 ND ND 22 C₁₃H₁₁N₃O₂ 242 ND ND 23 C₁₄H₁₃N₃O₂ 256 ND ND 24 C₁₂H₁₀N₂O 199 ND ND 25 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 241 3371, 2938, 1743, 1692, 1616, 326, 315, 284, 1450, 1372, 1238, 1053 259, 230, 207 Note: ND represents that said assessment was not conducted.

TABLE 11 ¹H-NMR data of 3- and 1,3-substituted-β-carboline derivatives Compd 1H-NMR (δ, CDCl3) 11 10.50 (1H, s, NH), 8.78 (1H, s, H-4), 8.15-8.17 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.58-7.60 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-5), 7.52-7.55 (1H, m, H-6), 7.30-7.33 (1H, m, H-7), 4.44-4.48 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 2.68 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.32-1.35 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 12 9.63 (1H, s, NH), 8.76 (1H, s, H-4), 8.16-8.17 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.54-7.57 (1H, m, H-6), 7.31-7.34 (1H, m, H-7), 4.47-4.51 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 3.11-3.15 (2H, m, CH₂CH₃), 1.40-1.43 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.29-1.32 (3H, m, CH₂CH₃) 13 11.14 (1H, s, —NH), 8.79 (1H, s, H-4), 8.15-8.17 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.64-7.66 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-5), 7.51-7.54 (1H, m, H-6), 7.25-7.31 (1H, m, H-7), 4.42-4.46 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 2.76-2.79 (2H, m, ArCH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.45-1.51 (2H, m, ArCH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.25-1.32 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 0.37-0.43 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 14 8.91 (1H, s, NH), 8.86 (1H, s, H-4), 8.20-8.21 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.90-7.91 (2H, m, H-5, H-6) 7.58-7.60 (2H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.54-7.57 (2H, m, Ar—H), 7.41-7.44 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.35-7.37 (1H, m, Ar—H), 4.04 (3H, s, OCH₃) 15 9.40 (1H, s, NH), 8.76 (1H, s, H-4), 8.15-8.16 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.69-7.70 (2H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5, H-6), 7.54-7.56 (2H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.31-7.34 (1H, m, Ar—H), 6.75-6.77 (2H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, Ar—H), 4.00 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.69 (3H, s, Ar—OCH₃) 16 9.51 (1H, s, NH), 8.83 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-4), 8.20-8.21 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.83-7.85 (2H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5, H-6), 7.60-7.61 (2H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.38-7.39 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.03-7.04 (2H, d, J = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 4.06 (3H, s, OCH₃) 18 11.74 (1H, s, NH), 9.29 (1H, s, H-4), 8.89 (1H, s, H-1 ), 8.20-8.22 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.86-7.87 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.58-7.62 (1H, m, H-6), 7.33-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 4.51-4.54 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂—CH₃), 1.81-1.87 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.48-1.56 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.97-1.00 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 25 9.47 (1H, s, NH), 9.03 (1H, s, H-4), 8.32-8.34 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-1), 8.26-8.28 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-8), 8.19-8.20 (2H, m, H-5), 7.67-7.70 (1H, m, H-6), 7.47-7.51 (1H, m, H-7), 5.29 (2H, s, CH₂), 2.16 (3H, s, CH₃)

Synthesis of 3,9-disubstituted-β-carboline derivatives Experimental Instruments and Materials

Experimental instruments are as described above.

Chemical Reagents

NaH (Merck-Schuchardt Co. Germany), methyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhenjiang Yuhuan Biological Reagent Plant), ethyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhenjiang Yuhuan Biological Reagent Plant), iodo-n-butane (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), 1-bromine-3-phenyl propane (Acros Organic, U.S.), α-bromine-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl (Acros Organic, U.S.), 2-bromine-acetyl benzophenone (Acros Organic, U.S.), 2-bromine-4-phenyl-acetyl benzophenone (Acros Organic, U.S.), tetrahydro potassium aluminium (Acros Organic, U.S.), and other domestically manufactured analytically pure or chemically pure reagents were used.

Synthetic Routes and Operational Steps

Example 49 General procedure for the preparation of 9-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylate

β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10 mmol), DMF (50 ml) and THF (50 ml) were respectively added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask, and were stirred until the mixture became clear at room temperature. NaH (50 mmol) was added and stirred until there were no bubbles formed. Alkyl halide or aromatic halide (60 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred to react at room temperature or by heating for 5 h. After the reaction was finished, THF was removed in reduce pressure, and 200 ml 2N HCl solution was added. The mixture was extracted with toluene. The aqueous phase was neutralized with saturated NaHCO₃ and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried, filtered and concentrated in vacuum. The residues were purified by silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent, and recrystallized with ethyl ether/petroleum ether. Examples 50 to 61 were treated according to the above procedures.

Example 50 Synthesis of methyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (26)

Afforded white needle crystals (1.8 g, 75%), and mp 215-216° C.

Example 51 Synthesis methyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (27)

Afforded white needle crystals (2.0 g, 79%), and mp 155-156° C.

Example 52 Synthesis of methyl 9-n-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (28)

Afforded white needle crystals (2.3 g, 82%), and mp 181-183° C.

Example 53 Synthesis of methyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (29)

Afforded white needle crystals (2.3 g, 73%), and mp 187-188° C.

Example 54 Synthesis of ethyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (30)

white needle crystals (1.9 g, 75%) were obtained, mp 139-140° C.

Example 55 Synthesis of ethyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (31)

white needle crystals (1.8 g, 67%) were obtained, mp 117-118° C.

Example 56 Synthesis of ethyl 9-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (32)

white needle crystals (2.3 g, 78%), mp 76-77° C.

Example 57 Synthesis of ethyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (33)

Ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate 10 (4.8 g, 20 mmol), DMF (100 ml) and THF (100 ml) were respectively added in a 100 ml round-bottom flask, and were stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes, then 60% NaH (2.4 g, 60 mmol) was added and stirred until there were no bubbles formed. Benzyl bromide (15 ml) was added, and the mixture was refluxed for 12 h. Later the mixture was treated in a manner similar to that described for compound 29 to afford white crystals (4.6 g, 70%), mp 126-127° C.

Example 58 Synthesis of butyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (38)

white needle crystals (2.0 g, 70%) were obtained, mp 235-238° C.

Example 59 Synthesis of butyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (39)

white needle crystals (2.0 g, 65%) were obtained, mp 86-88° C.

Example 60 Synthesis of butyl 9-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (40)

2.2 g white needle crystals were obtained, the yield was 74%, and mp 94-95° C.

Example 61 Synthesis of butyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (41)

white crystals (11.0 g, 67%) were obtained, mp 104-105° C.

Example 62 General procedure for the preparation of 9-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid

9-Substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (20 mmol), 200 ml of water, 100 ml of ethanol and NaOH (4.0 g, 100 mmol) were added in a 250 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h and then cooled. The pH was adjusted to 6 with 5N HCl. After removing ethanol in reduced pressure, light yellow solids were precipitated which were then cooled, filtered, washed with water and dried. Examples 63 to 66 were conducted according to the above operational steps.

Example 63 Synthesis of 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (34)

light yellow solids were obtained, the yield was 99%, and mp 267-269° C.

Example 64 Synthesis of 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (35)

light yellow solids were obtained, the yield was 98%, and mp 201-202° C.

Example 65 Synthesis of 9-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (36)

Compound 32 (3.0 g, 10 mmol), 100 ml of water, 50 ml of ethanol, and NaOH (2.0 g, 50 mmol) were added into a 100 ml round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. The subsequent operational steps were conducted according to those for synthesizing compound 3 to obtain light yellow solids (2.7 g, 99%), and mp 182-184° C.

Example 66 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (37)

yellow solids were obtained, the yield was 94%, and mp 261-262° C.

Example 67 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-3-hydroxymethyl-β-carboline (42)

Compound 33 (3.3 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with anhydrous THF (100 ml). The mixture was added dropwise to a mixed solution of LiAlH₄ (1.2 g, 30 mmol) and anhydrous THF (100 ml). After that, the mixture was refluxed for 10 h. Then the mixture was cooled to room temperature. 10% NaOH (50 ml) was added into the mixture and then stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, the organic phases were combined and washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, evaporated and purified by silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent. Upon recrystallization, white solids (1.5 g, 52%) were obtained, mp 120-122° C.

Example 68 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-3-acetylmethoxy-β-carboline (43)

Compound 42 (1.44 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with acetic acid (50 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. After the reaction was finished, the solvent was evaporated in reduced pressure. Water (100 ml) was added into the residues, and then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuum, and recrystallized with ethyl acetate, white solids (1.5 g, 94%) were obtained, mp 141-142° C.

Example 69 Synthesis of benzyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (44)

Compound 17 (2.12 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml). After stirring the mixture at room temperature for 30 minutes, NaH (1.6 g, 40 mmol) was added and stirred until the solution became clear. After that, benzyl bromide (5 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was poured into cold water (200 ml) and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined and washed with water and brine, then the organic phase was evaporated in reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in anhydrous ethanol, and then the mixture was adjusted to pH 4 with concentrated HCl, and evaporated and recrystallized with acetone/ethyl ether, light yellow solids were obtained. The light yellow solids were dissolved in a mixed solution of water and ethyl acetate. The pH was adjusted to 8 with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The organic phases were isolated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. After drying, decolorization with activated carbon, filtration, concentration, and recrystallization with ethyl ether, white solids (2.3 g, 57%) were obtained, mp 169-170° C.

Example 70 Synthesis of ethyl 9-phenylpropyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (45)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml). After stirring the mixture at room temperature for 15 minutes, NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol) was added and stirred until the solution became clear. After that, 1-bromine-3-phenylpropane (2 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 4 h. THF was evaporated in reduced pressure. The resulting solution was added 200 ml 2N HCl solution. The mixture was extracted with ethyl ether. The aqueous phase was neutralized by saturated NaHCO₃ solution and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated in vacuum and purified with silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent. Upon recrystallization, white needle crystals (1.0 g, 56%) were obtained, mp 140-142° C.

Example 71 Synthesis of ethyl 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (46)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml). After stirring the mixture at room temperature for 15 minutes, NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol) was added and stirred until the solution became clear. After that, α-bromine-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl (1 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The subsequent steps were conducted according to those for synthesizing compound 45 to afford white crystals (1.3 g, 62%), mp 153-154° C.

Example 72 Synthesis of ethyl 9-acetophenone-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (47)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml). After stirring the mixture at room temperature for 15 minutes, NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol) was added and stirred until the solution became clear. After that, 2-bromine-acetyl benzophenone (2.0 g) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 4 h. The subsequent steps were conducted according to those for synthesizing compound 45 to afford white crystals (0.9 g, 50%), and mp 246-248° C.

Example 73 General procedure for the preparation of 9-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid

9-Substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10 mmol), NaOH (50 mmol), water (100 ml) and ethanol (50 ml) were mixed. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the pH was adjusted to 6 with 5M HCl. After cooling, filtration, wash with water, drying, light yellow solids were obtained. Examples 74 to 76 were treated according to the above operational steps.

Example 74 Synthesis of 9-phenylpropyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (48)

light yellow solids were obtained, the yield was 97%, and mp 213-215° C.

Example 75 Synthesis of 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (49)

white solids were obtained, the yield was 98%, and mp>270° C.

Example 76 Synthesis of 9-acetophenone-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (50)

light yellow solids (1.6 g, 97%) were obtained, mp>270° C.

Example 77 Synthesis of 3-carbohydrazine 9-ethyl-β-carboline (51)

Compound 31 (2.7 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved into ethanol (50 ml). 85% Hydrazine hydrate (15 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed by heating for 6 h and concentrated to 30 ml in reduced pressure. After cooling, filtration, wash with ethanol, and natural drying in the air, white solids (2.0 g, 83%) were obtained. Samples for analysis could be recrystallized by 90% ethanol to obtain white flaring sheet-like crystals, mp 195-196° C.

Example 78 Synthesis of 3-(azidocarbonyl)-9-ethyl-β-carboline (53a)

Concentrated HCl (20 ml) was added dropwise into a mixed suspension formed from compound 51 (2.54 g, 10 mmol) and water (200 ml). The light yellow solution was cooled in an ice bath to 0° C., and then an aqueous solution (30 ml) of nitrous acid (2.1 g, 30 mmol) was added dropwise to react with the light yellow solution at 0° C. for 30 minutes. The mixed reaction solution was then alkalified with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. Solids were collected by filtration. After being washed by water and vacuumly dried, yellow solids (2.3 g) were obtained. The solids were apt to be decomposed and further purification was not necessary and used directly for the next steps.

Example 79 Synthesis of 9-ethyl-3-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline (53)

Compound 53a (0.6 g, 5 mmol) was dissolved into methanol (50 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 10 h. The reaction liquid was cooled and concentrated to 30 ml in vacuum. After recrystallization with anhydrous ethanol, filtration, wash with a small amount of ethanol, white solids (0.4 g, 59%) were obtained, mp 213-214° C.

Example 80 Synthesis of 3-[(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-9-ethyl-β-carboline (54)

Compound 53a (1.32 g, 5 mmol) was dissolved into ethanol (100 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 10 h. The reaction liquid was cooled and concentrated to 30 ml in vacuum. After recrystallization and filtration, white solids (0.8 g, 56%) were obtained, mp 217-218° C.

Example 81 Synthesis of 3-carbohydrazide-9-benzyl-β-carboline (52)

Compound 33 (3.3 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved into ethanol (100 ml). 85% Hydrazine hydrate (20 ml) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 10 h and concentrated to 50 ml by decompression. After cooling, filtration, wash with ethanol, and natural drying in the air, white solids (2.8 g, 87%) were obtained, and mp 209-211° C.

Example 82 Synthesis of 3-(azidocarbonyl)-9-benzyl-β-carboline (55a)

Concentrated HCl (20 ml) was added dropwise into a mixed suspension formed from compound 55a (3.16 g, 10 mmol) and water (500 ml). The light yellow solution was cooled in an ice bath to 0° C., and then an aqueous solution (50 ml) of nitrous acid (2.1 g, 30 mmol) was added dropwise to react with the light yellow solution at 0° C. for 30 minutes. The mixed reaction solution was then alkalified with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. Solids were collected by filtration. After being washed by water and vacuumly dried, yellow solids (2.9 g) were obtained with a tendency to decompose. The material was used without further purification for the following steps.

Example 83 Synthesis of 3-[(ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-9-benzyl-β-carboline (55)

Compound 55a (2.9 g, 8.86 mmol) was dissolved into ethanol (150 ml). The mixture was refluxed 10 h. The reaction liquid was cooled and concentrated to 30 ml in reduced pressure. After recrystallization with ethyl acetate, white solids (1.8 g, 57%) were obtained. Samples for analysis could be recrystallized by 90% ethanol, and mp 217-218° C.

Physico-Chemical Properties, TLC and Spectra Analyses of 3,9-Disubstituted-β-Carboline Derivatives

TABLE 12 Physico-chemical data of 3,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives Compd Formula FW Yield (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 26 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 240 75 white soluble in 215-216 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 27 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 254 79 white soluble in 155-156 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 28 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 282 82 white soluble in 181-183 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 29 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 316 73 white soluble in 187-188 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 30 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 254 75 white soluble in 139-140 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 31 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 67 white soluble in 117-118 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 32 C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₂ 296 78 white soluble in 76-77 needle-like alcohols, ethers, crystals esters, chloroform etc. 33 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 330 70 white solids soluble in 126-127 alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 34 C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₂ 226 99 light yellow soluble in 267-269 solids alcohols and DMSO 35 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 240 98 light yellow soluble in 201-202 solids alcohols and DMSO 36 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 99 light yellow soluble in 182-184 solids alcohols and DMSO 37 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 302 94 light yellow soluble in DMSO 261-262 solids 38 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 282 70 white needle soluble in 235-238 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 39 C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂ 296 65 white needle soluble in 86-88 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 40 C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₂ 324 74 white needle soluble in 94-95 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 41 C₂₃H₂₂N₂O₂ 358 67 white solids soluble in 105-106 alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 42 C₁₉H₁₆N₂O₂ 288 52 white solids soluble in 120-122 alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 43 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 330 94 white needle soluble in 141-142 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 44 C₂₆H₂₀N₂O₂ 392 57 white solids soluble in 169-170 alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 45 C₂₃H₂₂N₂O₂ 358 56 white soluble in 140-142 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 46 C₂₁F₅H₁₃N₂O₂ 420 62 white solids soluble in 153-154 alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 47 C₂₂H₁₈N₂O₃ 358 50 white solids soluble in 246-248 alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 48 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 330 97 light yellow soluble in DMSO 213-215 solids 49 C₁₉F₅H₉N₂O₂ 392 98 white solids soluble in DMSO >270 50 C₂₀H₁₄N₂O₃ 330 97 light yellow soluble in DMSO >270 solids 51 C₁₄H₁₄N₄O 254 83 white flaring soluble in 195-196 crystals alcohols and DMSO 52 C₁₉H₁₆N₄O 316 87 white flaring soluble in 209-211 crystals alcohols and DMSO 53 C₁₅H₁₅N₃O₂ 269 59 white solids soluble in 213-214 alcohols and esters 54 C₁₆H₁₇N₃O₂ 283 56 white solids soluble in 217-218 alcohols and esters 55 C₂₁H₁₉N₃O₂ 345 57 white solids soluble in 218-219 alcohols and esters

TABLE 13 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 3,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV_(λ max) Compd Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (nm) 26 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 241 3386, 3089, 2548, 2056, 1730, 358, 343, 307, 1631, 1525, 1497, 1431, 1376, 272, 236, 219 1282, 1207, 1115 27 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 255 3404, 3358, 2985, 1723, 1632, 358, 345, 306, 1523, 1439, 1337, 1258 273, 236, 205 28 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 283 3446, 2958, 2866, 1734, 1624, 358, 344, 306, 1584, 1551, 1428, 1361, 1245, 273, 236, 222 1102 29 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 317 3026, 2945, 1731, 1622, 1583, 356, 341, 304, 1553, 1424, 1335, 1242, 1105 272, 235, 205 30 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 255 3446, 3397, 2602, 2015, 1721, 357, 342, 305, 1628, 1587, 1328, 1207, 1110, 272, 236, 219 1012 31 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3413, 2984, 1717, 1632, 1521, 358, 344, 305, 1448, 1334, 1257, 1006 273, 236, 221 32 C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₂ 297 3437, 2956, 1731, 1623, 1552, 358, 343, 307, 1465, 1366, 1210, 1102, 1024 273, 235, 220 33 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 331 3424, 3027, 2973, 1723, 1621, 355, 341, 304, 1550, 1466, 1366, 1214, 1104 272, 234, 204 34 C₁₃H₁₀N₂O₂ 227 3406, 2250-3250, 1716, 1630, 384, 360, 273, 1599, 1405, 1314, 1200 241, 217 35 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 241 3418, 2250, 3250, 1714, 1631, 387, 359, 347, 1588, 1408, 1336, 1248, 1198 273, 239, 220 36 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3424, 3062, 2956, 1690, 1629, 387, 359, 345, 1500, 1467, 1371, 1296, 1132 272, 238, 221 37 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 303 3409, 3056, 2946, 1663, 1624, 355, 342, 267, 1586, 1377, 1225 239 38 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 283 3401, 2956, 2869, 1726, 1696, 358, 342, 305, 1625, 1584, 1504, 1463, 1332, 272, 236, 219 1107 39 C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂ 297 3423, 3052, 2963,, 2401, 1998, 1884, 359, 345, 306, 1722, 1627, 1587, 1496, 273, 239, 220 1269, 1121 40 C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₂ 325 3433, 3061, 3023, 2956, 2866 359, 344, 307, 1728, 1624, 1551, 1464, 1358, 273, 238, 220, 1212, 1104 205 41 C₂₃H₂₂N₂O₂ 359 3051, 2959, 2930, 2869, 1700, 355, 341, 304, 1620, 1582, 1550,, 1462, 1361, 1298, 273, 235, 205 1246, 1107, 1052 42 C₁₉H₁₆N₂O 289 3170, 2938, 1627, 1559, 1495, 361, 347, 291, 1467, 1363, 1264, 1205, 1048 284, 239, 215 43 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 331 3428, 3027, 2942, 2886, 1726 360, 346, 291, 1622, 1496, 1452, 1352, 1245, 284, 239, 214 1026 44 C₂₆H₂₀N₂O₂ 393 3400, 3064, 3035, 2935, 2889, 356, 341, 305, 1709, 1623, 1584, 1497, 1461, 273, 236 1336, 1244, 1109 45 C₂₃H₂₂N₂O₂ 359 3425, 3057, 3026, 2983, 2933 358, 342, 305, 2905, 1724, 1622, 1550, 1500, 1461, 273, 236, 217, 1367, 1246, 1107, 1023 207 46 C₂₁F₅H₁₃N₂O₂ 421 3399, 3065, 2987, 2904, 1709, 335, 298, 270, 1659, 1626, 1523, 1502, 1467, 265, 236, 217 1337, 1296, 1245, 1104, 1019 47 C₂₂H₁₈N₂O₃ 359 3420, 3058, 2979, 2930, 1721, 354, 339, 300, 1692, 1625, 1586, 1502, 1468, 271, 239 1339, 1224, 1107 48 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 331 3197, 3149, 3023, 2934, 1692, 358, 346, 268, 1629, 1590, 1499 239, 218, 210 49 C₁₉F₅H₉N₂O₂ 393 3435, 2900, 1688, 1632, 1597, 351, 338, 261, 1380, 1230, 982, 756 239, 215 50 C₂₀H₁₄N₂O₃ 331 3421, 2986, 1756, 1713, 1628, 353, 265, 241 1589, 1495, 1366, 1132, 1018 51 C₁₄H₁₄N₄O 255 3298, 3202, 2955, 1666, 1627, 359, 343, 303, 1590, 1531, 1497, 1458, 1331, 272, 238, 221 1261, 1128 52 C₁₉H₁₆N₄O 317 3349, 3300, 3201, 3059, 1619, 356, 342, 272, 1556, 1496, 1461, 1336, 1200 238, 207 53 C₁₅H₁₅N₃O₂ 270 3435, 3207, 2984, 1727, 1630, 376, 365, 296, 1595, 1472, 1282, 1228, 1079 251, 241, 203 54 C₁₆H₁₇N₃O₂ 284 3420, 3202, 2974, 1721, 1627, 376, 364, 296, 1585, 1532, 1471, 1281, 1219 240, 202 55 C₂₁H₁₉N₃O₂ 346 3248, 3200, 2981, 1722, 1629, 373, 362, 295, 1590, 1534, 1467, 1281, 1217, 251 1063

TABLE 14 ¹H-NMR data of 3,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives Compd ¹H-NMR (δ, CDCl₃) 26 8.94 (1H, s, Ar—H), 8.88 (1H, s, Ar—H), 8.20-8.21 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, Ar—H), 7.65-7.68 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.50-7.52 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 7.36-7.39 (1H, m, J = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 4.06 (3H, s, —OCH₃), 4.00 (3H, s, NCH₃) 27 8.90-9.00 (2H, m, Ar—H), 8.21-8.23 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 7.65-7.68 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.52-7.54 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 7.36-7.39 (1H, m, Ar—H), 4.51 (2H, s, NCH₂CH₃), 4.07 (3H, s, OCH₃), 1.52 (3H, s, NCH₂CH₃) 28 8.94 (1H, s, H-4), 8.89 (1H, s, H-1), 8.19-8.21 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, H-8), 7.62-7.65 (1H, m, H-5), 7.50-7.52 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 4.41-4.44 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂—CH₃), 4.06 (3H, s, OCH₃), 1.87-1.93 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.35-1.42 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂—CH₂CH₃), 0.93-0.96 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 29 8.89-8.90 (2H, d, J = 4 Hz, H-4, H-1), 8.21-8.22 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.58-7.61 (1H, m, H-5), 7.47-7.48 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.35-7.38 (1H, m, H-7), 7.24-7.28 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.13-7.15 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.60 (2H, s, CH₂—Ar), 4.05 (3H, s, OCH₃) 30 8.94 (1H, s, H-4), 8.86 (1H, s, H-1), 8.19-8.20 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.66-7.67 (1H, m, H-5), 7.49-7.51 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.35-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 4.52-4.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 3.98 (3H, s, NCH₃), 1.48-1.51 (3H, s, OCH₂CH₃) 31 8.93 (1H, s, H-4), 8.86 (1H, s, H-1), 8.18-8.21 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.62-7.64 (1H, m, H-5), 7.48-7.50 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-6), 7.33-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 4.42-4.56 (4H, m, OCH₂CH₃, NCH₂CH₃), 1.46-1.52 (6H, m, OCH₂CH₃, NCH₂CH₃) 32 8.98 (1H, s, H-4), 8.89 (1H, s, H-1), 8.21-8.23 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.63-7.66 (1H, m, H-5), 7.51-7.53 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.36-7.38 (1H, m, H-7), 4.52-4.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 4.42-4.44 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.88-1.94 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.49-1.52 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.35-1.42 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.93-0.96 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 33 8.91 (2H, m, H-4, H-1), 8.23-8.25 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.59-7.62 (1H, m, H-5), 7.49-7.50 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-6), 7.36-7.39 (1H, m, H-7), 7.25-7.27 (3H, s, Ar—H), 7.14-7.16 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.62 (2H, s, CH₂—Ar), 4.51-4.55 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₃), 1.47-1.50 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 34 9.19 (1H, s, H-4), 9.12 (1H, s, H-1), 8.42-8.44 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.81-7.88 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.50-7.53 (1H, m, H-7), 4.16 (1H, s, NCH₃) 35 9.16 (1H, s, H-4), 8.97 (1H, s, H-1), 8.31-8.33 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.75-7.81 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.43-7.46 (1H, m, H-7), 4.63-4.67 (1H, s, NCH₂CH₃), 1.46-1.52 (1H, s, NCH₂CH₃) 36 9.14 (1H, s, H-4), 8.94 (1H, s, H-1), 8.42-8.44 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.77-7.79 (1H, d, =8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.65-7.68 (1H, m, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 4.56-4.59 (2H, m, NCH₂CH_(2—)CH₂CH₃), 1.79-1.85 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.28-1.32 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.87-0.90 (3H, m,, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 37 9.15 (1H, s, H-4), 8.96 (1H, s, H-1), 8.44-8.45 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.79-7.80 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.63-7.66 (1H, m, H-6), 7.35-7.38 (1H, m, H-7), 7.22-7.31 (5H, m, Ar—H), 5.85 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar) 38 8.94 (1H, s, H-4), 8.83 (1H, s, H-1), 8.18-8.20 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.63-7.66 (1H, m, H-5), 7.48-7.50 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 4.46-4.49 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 3.97 (3H, s, NCH₃), 1.84-1.90 (2H, m, J = 7 Hz, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.48-1.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.99-1.02 (3H, m, OCH2CH2CH2CH3) 39 9.02 (1H, s, H-4), 8.86 (1H, s, H-1), 8.20-8.22 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.63-7.67 (1H, m, H-5), 7.51-7.53 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-6), 7.35-7.38 (1H, m, H-7), 4.47-4.51 (4H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, NCH₂CH₃), 1.84-1.90 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.49-1.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.99-1.02 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 40 8.95 (1H, s, H-4), 8.85 (1H, s, H-1), 8.19-8.20 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.64 (1H, m, H-5), 7.49-7.50 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.32-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 4.47-4.49 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 4.37-4.42 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.84-1.92 (4H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.49-1.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.34-1.40 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.99-1.02 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.92-0.95 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 41 8.89 ((1H, s, H-4), 8.85 (1H, s, H-1), 8.19-8.20 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.56-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.45-7.46 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.33-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 7.22-7.26 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.11-7.13 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.56 (2H, s, —CH₂—Ar), 4.45-4.48 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.82-1.88 (2H, m, —OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.47-1.54 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.98-1.01 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 42 8.73 (1H, s, H-4), 8.13-8.15 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-1), 7.96 (1H, s, H-8), 7.54-7.58 (1H, m, H-5), 7.41-7.43 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.28-7.31 (1H, m, H-7), 7.23-7.27 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.11-7.12 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.51 (2H, s, CH₂Ar), 4.94 (2H, s, CH₂OH), 4.01 (1H, s, CH₂OH) 43 9.01 (1H, s, H-4), 8.30-8.31 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-1), 8.20 (1H, s, H-8), 7.73-7.75 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.58-7.61 (1H, m, H-6), 7.19-7.31 (6H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 5.76 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 5.28 (2H, s, CH₂), 2.11 (3H, s, CH₃) 44 8.96 (1H, s, H-4), 8.91 (1H, s, H-1), 8.22-8.24 (1H, m, H-8), 7.60-7.64 (1H, m, H-5), 7.49-7.55 (3H, m, H-6, H-7, Ar—H), 7.31-7.40 (4H, m, Ar—H), 7.25-7.29 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.12-7.14 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.63 (2H, s, 0CH₂Ar), 5.52 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar) 45 8.89 (2H, m, H-4, H-1), 8.20-8.22 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.61-7.64 (1H, m, H-5), 7.41-7.42 (1H, m, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 7.26-7.30 (2H, m, Ar—H), 7.19-7.22 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.13-7.15 (2H, m, Ar—H), 4.52-4.57 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 4.41-4.44 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.70-2.73 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 2.24-2.30 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar)1.49-1.52 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 46 9.07 (1H, s, H-4), 8.86 (1H, s, H-1), 8.19-8.21 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.65-7.68 (1H, m, H-5), 7.59-7.61 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.38-7.41 (1H, m, H-7), 5.67 (2H, s, CH₂—Ar), 4.52-4.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.49-1.51 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 47 8.73 (1H, s, H-4), 8.68 (1H, s, H-1), 8.18-8.19 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.52-7.55 (1H, m, H-5), 7.11-7.42 (7H, m, H-6, H-7, Ar—H), 5.51-5.55 (2H, s, CH₂COAr), 4.24-4.28 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.25-1.31 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 48 9.13 (1H, s, H-4), 9.00 (1H, s, H-1), 8.46-8.48 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.76-7.78 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.69-7.72 (1H, m, H-6), 7.38-7.41 (1H, m, H-7), 7.21-7.26 (2H, m, Ar—H), 7.13-7.17 (3H, m, Ar—H), 4.63-4.66 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.49-2.51 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.14-2.20 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar) 49 8.11-8.13 (1H, m, H-4), 8.00-8.02 (2H, m, H-1, H-8), 7.69-7.73 (1H, m, H-5), 7.69-7.72 (1H, m, H-6), 7.38-7.41 (1H, m, H-7), 7.21-7.26 (2H, m, Ar—H), 7.13-7.17 (3H, m, Ar—H), 4.63-4.66 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 50 9.28 (1H, s, H-4), 9.16 (1H, s, H-1), 8.57-8.58 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 8.16-8.18 (2H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5, H-6), 7.64-7.81 (5H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.43-7.46 (1H, m, Ar—H), 6.45 (2H, s, NCH₂—COAr) 51 9.61 (1H, s, NH), 9.03 (1H, s, H-4), 8.82 (1H, s, H-1), 8.40-8.42 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.75-7.76 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.64-7.67 (1H, m, H-6), 7.32-7.35 (1H, m, H-7), 4.58-4.62 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 4.54 (2H, s, NH₂), 1.37-1.40 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃) 52 9.62 (1H, s, NH), 9.04 (1H, s, H-4), 8.85 (1H, s, H-1), 8.43-8.45 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.77-7.79 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.61-7.65 (1H, m, H-6), 7.33-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 7.21-7.30 (5H, m, ArH), 5.83 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 4.53-4.54 (2H, s, NH₂) 53 8.67 (1H, s, H-4), 8.55 (1H, s, H-1), 8.16-8.17 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.56-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.40-7.42 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-6), 7.23-7.26 (1H, m, H-7), 4.37-4.41 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 3.87 (3H, s, OCH₃)1.45-1.48 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃) 54 8.68 (1H, s, H-4), 8.59 (1H, s, H-1), 8.15-8.17 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.55-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.39-7.40 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.23-7.26 (1H, m, H-7), 4.32-4.38 (4H, m, NCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₃), 1.41-1.47 (6H, m, NCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₃) 55 8.88 (1H, s, H-4), 8.78 (1H, s, H-1), 8.21-8.22 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 8.06-8.08 (2H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-5, H-6), 7.67-7.70 (1H, m, H-7), 7.54-7.60 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.35-7.38 (1H, m, Ar—H), 7.31-7.32 (1H, d, d = 8 Hz, Ar—H), 5.79 (2H, s, NCH₂—Ar), 4.51-4.55 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.47-1.50 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃)

Synthesis of 1,3,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives Experimental Instruments and Reagents

The experimental instruments and reagents are as described above.

Synthetic Route and Operational Steps

Example 84 General procedure for the preparation of 9-substituted-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylates

Ethyl 1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) and stirred at room temperature until the solution became clear. 60% NaH (50 mmol) was added and stirred for 5 minutes. Alkene halide or aromatics (50 mmol) was added. The mixture was reacted at room temperature or refluxed. TLC track measurement was conducted. After the reaction was finished, the reaction mixture was poured into cold water, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine, dried, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered and evaporated in reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in 50 ml anhydrous ethanol. The pH was adjusted to 3-4 with concentrated HCl. After concentration and recrystallization with acetone/ethyl ether and filtration, hydrochloride salts was formed. The hydrochloride salts were added into a mixed solution of 100 ml water and ethyl acetate. After being neutralized by sodium NaHCO₃, ethyl acetate layer was isolated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered, concentrated and purified with silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as the eluent. Upon recrystallization, crystals was obtained. Examples 85 to 96 were conducted according to the above operational steps.

Example 85 Synthesis of ethyl 1,9-dimethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (56)

white crystals (2.2 g, 82%) were obtained, mp 141-142° C.

Example 86 Synthesis of ethyl 9-ethyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (57)

white crystals (2.3 g, 81%) were obtained, mp 96-98° C.

Example 87 Synthesis of ethyl 9-benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (58)

Compound 10 (2.54 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) and stirred at room temperature until the solution became clear. 60% NaH (1.2 g) was added and stirred for 5 minutes. Benzyl bromide (6 ml) was added. TLC Track measurement with was conducted. The mixture was reacted at room temperature for 12 h. After the reaction was finished, the reaction mixture was poured into cold water, and extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine, dried, decolorized with activated carbon, evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml anhydrous ethanol. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 3-4 by introducing dry hydrogen chloride gas. After concentration, recrystallization with acetone/ethyl ether and filtration, hydrochloride salts was afforded, and 100 ml water was added. After neutralizing by sodium bicarbonate, extracting by ethyl acetate, drying over anhydrous sodium sulfate, decolorizing with activated carbon, filtration, concentration, purifying with silica gel column chromatography with ethyl acetate as eluent. Upon recrystallization, white crystals (2.5 g, 73%) was obtained, mp 155-156° C.

Example 88 Synthesis of ethyl 9-phenylpropyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (59)

Compound 10 (2.54 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) and stirred at room temperature until the solution became clear. 60% NaH (1.2 g) was added and stirred for 5 minutes, followed by the addition of 1-bromine-3-phenyl propane (10 ml), and TLC track measurement. The mixture was reacted at room temperature for about 15 h. The subsequent steps were conducted according to those for synthesizing compound 58. Finally, white crystals (2.8 g, 75%) were obtained, mp 101-102° C.

Example 89 Synthesis of ethyl 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (60)

Compounds 10 (1.3 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml), and was stirred at room temperature until the mixture became clear. The mixture was added 60% NaH (1.2 g) and stirred for 5 minutes followed by the addition of α-bromine-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl (2 ml) and TLC track measurement. The mixture was reacted at room temperature for about 1 hour. The subsequent steps were conducted according to those for synthesizing compound 58 to afford white block crystals (1.5 g, 68%), mp 145-146° C.

Example 90 Synthesis of ethyl 9-acetophenone-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (61)

Afforded white solids (1.6 g, 43%), mp was 219-220° C.

Example 91 Synthesis of ethyl 1-propyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (68)

white crystals (2.2 g, 74%) were obtained, mp 108-109° C.

Example 92 Synthesis of ethyl 1-propyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (69)

white crystals (2.0 g, 65%) were obtained, mp 86-87° C.

Example 93 Synthesis of ethyl 9-benzyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (70)

white crystals (1.8 g, 64%) were obtained, mp 158-159° C.

Example 94 Synthesis of ethyl 9-phenylpropyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (71)

white crystals (1.7 g, 57%) were obtained, mp 92-93° C.

Example 95 Synthesis of methyl 1-phenyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (76)

white crystals (2.4 g, 76%) were obtained, mp 205-207° C.

Example 96 Synthesis of methyl 1-phenyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (77)

white crystals (2.3 g, 69%) were obtained, mp 169-170° C.

Example 97 General procedure for the preparation of 1,9-substituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acids

1,9-Disubstituted-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (10 mmol), water (100 ml), ethanol (50 ml) and NaOH (50 mmol) were mixed and refluxed by heating for 2 h. And the ethanol was removed under reduced pressure. The mixture was neutralized (pH 5) with 5M HCl and cooled. The precipitate was collected, washed well with water and dried. Examples 98 to 109 were conducted according to the operational steps as mentioned above.

Example 98 Synthesis of 1,9-dimethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (62)

yellow solids (0.58 g, 97%) were obtained, mp 262-264° C.

Example 99 Synthesis of 9-ethyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (63)

yellow solids (0.62 g, 97%) were obtained, mp 243-245° C.

Example 100 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (64)

yellow solids (0.78 g, 98%) were obtained, mp 246-248° C.

Example 101 Synthesis of 9-phenylpropyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (65)

yellow solids (0.84 g, 97%) were obtained, mp 186-188° C.

Example 102 Synthesis of 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (66)

gray solids (11.0 g, 98%) were obtained, mp 191-193° C.

Example 103 Synthesis of 9-acetophenone-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (67)

white solids (0.84 g, 98%) were obtained, mp>270° C.

Example 104 Synthesis of 9-methyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (72)

yellow solids (0.52 g, 97%) were obtained, mp 181-183° C.

Example 105 Synthesis of 1-propyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (73)

yellow solids (0.54 g, 96%) were obtained, mp 189-191° C.

Example 106 Synthesis of 9-benzyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (74)

yellow solids (0.66 g, 96%) were obtained, mp 193-194° C.

Example 107 Synthesis of 9-phenylpropyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (75)

yellow solids (0.72 g, 97%) were obtained, mp 223-224° C.

Example 108 Synthesis of 9-methyl-1-phenyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (78)

Afforded light yellow solids (0.74 g, 98%), mp 223-224° C.

Example 109 Synthesis of 9-ethyl-1-phenyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (79)

Afforded light yellow solids (0.77 g, 97%), mp 194-195° C.

Physico-Chemical Properties of, TLC and Spectra Analyses of 1,3,9-Trisubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

TABLE 15 Physico-chemical data of 1,3,9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Yield Compd Formula FW (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 56 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 82 white soluble in 141-142 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 57 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 282 81 white soluble in 96-98 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 58 C₂₂H₂₀N₂O₂ 344 73 white soluble in 155-156 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 59 C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₂ 372 75 white soluble in 101-102 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 60 C₂₂F₅H₁₅N₂O₂ 434 68 ash gray soluble in 145-146 crystals alcohols, ethers, chloroform etc. 61 C₂₃H₂₀N₂O₃ 372 43 white soluble in 219-220 flocculent alcohols, ethers, solids esters, chloroform etc. 62 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 240 97 light yellow soluble in 262-264 solids alcohols and DMSO 63 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 254 97 light yellow soluble in 243-245 solids alcohols and DMSO 64 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 316 98 light yellow soluble in DMSO 246-248 solids 65 C₂₂H₂₀N₂O₂ 344 97 light yellow soluble in DMSO 186-188 solids 66 C₂₀F₅H₁₁N₂O₂ 406 97 ash gray soluble in DMSO 191-193 solids 67 C₂₁H₁₆N₂O₃ 344 98 white solids soluble in DMSO >270 68 C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂ 296 74 white soluble in 119-110 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 69 C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₂ 310 65 white soluble in 86-87 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 70 C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₂ 372 64 white soluble in 158-159 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 71 C₂₆H₂₈N₂O₂ 400 57 white soluble in 92-93 crystals alcohols, ethers and esters 72 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 268 97 light yellow soluble in alcohols 181-183 solids and DMSO 73 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 282 96 light yellow soluble in 189-191 solids alcohols and DMSO 74 C₂₂H₁₉N₂O₂ 344 96 light yellow soluble in DMSO 193-194 solids 75 C₂₄H₂₃N₂O₂ 372 97 light yellow Soluble in DMSO 176-178 solids 76 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 316 76 white soluble in 205-207 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 77 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 330 69 white soluble in 169-170 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 78 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 302 98 white solids soluble in DMSO 223-234 79 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 316 97 white solids soluble in DMSO 194-195

TABLE 16 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 1,3,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV Compd Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (λ_(max), nm) 56 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3044, 2978, 2903, 1713, 1620 354, 338, 307, 1557, 1456, 1369, 1249, 1215 272, 239 1138, 1030 57 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 283 3359, 3057, 2974, 2931, 2902, 354, 338, 307, 1687, 1620, 1556, 1449, 1368, 273, 240 1342, 1275, 1243, 1133, 1026 58 C₂₂H₂₀N₂O₂ 345 3441, 3059, 2967, 2929, 1694, 351, 337, 305, 1622, 1561, 1455, 1342, 1272, 272, 239 1238, 1136, 1029 59 C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₂ 373 3059, 2977, 2930, 2852, 1694, 355, 339, 308, 273, 1620, 1557, 1454, 1366, 1341, 240, 220 1257, 1135, 1028 60 C₂₂F₅H₁₅N₂O₂ 435 3398, 2974, 2931, 1708, 1629 346, 332, 301, 1503, 1454, 1341, 1268, 1122, 271, 265, 238 1033 61 C₂₃H₂₀N₂O₃ 373 3063, 3041, 2998, 1665, 1595 250 1447, 1330, 1219, 1018, 711 62 C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂ 241 3558, 3332, 2250-3250, 1936, 355, 340, 269 1712, 1621, 1344, 1215, 1050 239 63 C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₂ 255 3393, 2250-3250, 1714, 1621, 355, 270, 240, 1589, 1366, 1233, 1130, 1053 223 64 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 317 2250-3750, 1720, 1615, 1340, 352, 338, 268 1206 239 65 C₂₂H₂₀N₂O₂ 345 3417, 2500-3250, 1740, 1624, 356, 269, 240 1591, 1355, 1061 66 C₂₀F₅H₁₁N₂O₂ 407 3422, 2250-3250, 1754, 1652, 349, 336, 268, 1625, 1592, 1491, 1360, 1131, 238 1017 67 C₂₁H₁₆N₂O₃ 345 2250-3500, 1667, 1626, 1370, 345, 334, 265 1104 239, 216 68 C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂ 297 2957, 2868, 1703, 1555, 1466, 354, 339, 307, 1367, 1263, 1135, 1053, 739 272, 240 69 C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₂ 311 3052, 2960, 2868, 1694, 1555, 355, 340, 307, 1446, 1344, 1243, 1132 273, 240 70 C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₂ 373 3430, 2960, 2934, 2868, 1727, 352, 337, 304, 1619, 1556, 1462, 1339, 1259, 272, 240 1223, 1147, 1052 71 C₂₆H₂₈N₂O₂ 401 3068, 2994, 2968, 2929, 2870, 355, 339, 307, 1701, 1620, 1556, 1450, 1365, 273, 241, 201 1258, 1132, 1058 72 C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₂ 269 3142, 3059, 2960, 2869, 1739, 356, 342, 269, 1620, 1582, 1470, 1359, 1248, 240 1128 73 C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₂ 283 3191, 2965, 2871, 1745, 1619, 356, 342, 268, 1558, 1456, 1354, 1228, 1120 240 74 C₂₂H₁₉N₂O₂ 345 3064, 2957, 2923, 2866, 1752, 353, 339, 268, 1643, 1589, 1456, 1353, 1209, 240 1130 75 C₂₄H₂₃N₂O₂ 373 3163, 3068, 2963, 2933, 1745, 356, 343, 269, 1620, 1583, 1460, 1362, 1245, 240 1088 76 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 317 3426, 3051, 2944, 1723, 1622 360, 346, 309, 1557, 1493, 1435, 1356, 1262, 275, 233 1223, 1129 77 C₂₁H₁₈N₂O₂ 331 3429, 3054, 2980, 1724, 1621, 360, 345, 309, 1556, 1429, 1351, 1247, 1133, 275, 234 1051 78 C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₂ 303 2000-3250, 1754, 1681, 1622, 360, 273, 237 1557, 1392, 1262, 1051 79 C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₂ 317 3283, 2974, 1730, 1620, 1559, 360, 273, 239 1451, 1355, 1299

TABLE 17 ¹H-NMR data of 1,3,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives Compd ¹H-NMR (δ, DMSO) 56 8.71 (1H, s, H-4), 8.14-8.16 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.63 (1H, m, H-5), 7.45-7.47 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.31-7.34 (1H, m, H-7), 4.50-4.54 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 4.16 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.15 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.48-1.50 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 57 8.74 (1H, s, H-4), 8.16-8.18 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.63 (1H, m, H-5), 7.48-7.50 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.31-7.35 (1H, m, H-7), 4.62-4.66 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 4.50-4.55 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 3.13 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.46-1.50 (6H, m, NCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₃) 58 8.80 (1H, s, H-4), 8.22-8.23 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.55-7.58 (1H, m, H-5), 7.40-7.41 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 7.24-7.28 (3H, m, Ar—H), 6.94-6.96 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.85 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 4.50-4.54 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 2.96 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.47-1.50 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 59 8.73 (1H, s, H-4), 8.15-8.17 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.56-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.18-7.35 (7H, m, H-6, H- 7, Ar—H), 4.49-4.58 (4H, m, OCH₂CH₃, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.97 (3H, s, CH₃), 2.74-2.77 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.14-2.20 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 1.47-1.50 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 60 8.75 (1H, s, H-4), 8.17-8.19 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-8), 7.56-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.34-7.38 (2H, m, H-6, H-7), 5.99 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 4.51-4.56 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 3.16 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.48-1.51 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 62 8.89 (1H, s, H-4), 8.44-8.45 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.82-7.83 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.70-7.73 (1H, m, H-6), 7.37-7.40 (1H, m, H-7), 4.50-4.54 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.18 (3H, s, CH₃) 63 8.89 (1H, s, H-4), 8.45-8.46 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.83-7.85 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.70-7.73 (1H, m, H-6), 7.37-7.41 (1H, m, H-7), 4.72-4.76 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 3.14 (3H, s, CH₃), 1.40-1.42 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃) 64 8.80 (1H, s, H-4), 8.31-8.35 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.65-7.68 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.58-7.60 (1H, m, H-6), 7.15-7.30 (6H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 5.78 (2H, m, NCH₂Ar), 2.95 (3H, s, CH₃) 65 8.75 (1H, s, H-4), 8.36-8.37 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.68-7.69 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.61-7.64 (1H, m, H-6), 7.18-7.34 (6H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 4.64-4.67 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.90 (3H, s, CH₃), 2.73-2.76 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.06-2.12 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar) 66 8.80 (1H, s, H-4), 8.40-8.42 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-8), 7.62-7.64 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H- 7), 6.10 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 3.01-3.02 (3H, s, CH₃) 68 8.69 (1H, s, H-4), 8.14-8.16 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.59-7.62 (1H, m, H-5), 7.46-7.47 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.30-7.33 (1H, m, H-7), 4.49--4.53 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 4.11 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.36-3.39 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂—CH₃), 1.87-1.92 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.46-1.49 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.09-1.12 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 69 8.73 (1H, s, H-4), 8.18-8.19 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.63 (1H, m, H-5), 7.50-7.52 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.32-7.35 (1H, m, H-7), 4.49-4.62 (4H, m, NCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₃), 3.30-3.34 (2H, m, CH₂—CH₂CH₃), 1.87-1.95 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.45-1.49 (6H, m, NCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₃), 1.10-1.13 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 70 8.78 (1H, s, H-4), 8.22-8.24 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.55-7.58 (1H, m, H-5), 7.41-7.42 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.34-7.37 (1H, m, H-7), 7.23-7.30 (3H, m, Ar—H), 6.94-6.95 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.79 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 4.49-4.54 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 3.12-3.16 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.78-1.84 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.46-1.52 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 0.96-1.01 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 71 8.71 (1H, s, H-4), 8.15-8.17 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.55-7.59 (1H, m, H-5), 7.34-7.36 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.29-7.32 (3H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.18-7.25 (3H, m, Ar—H), 4.46-4.53 (4H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar, OCH₂CH₃), 3.15-3.18 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2.74-2.77 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.11-2.11-(2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 1.77-1.84 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.46-1.49 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 0.97-1.00 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 72 8.76 (1H, s, H-4), 8.36-8.37 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.75-7.77 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.64-7.67 (1H, m, H-6), 7.32-7.35 (1H, m, H-7), 4.17 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.35-3.38 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.85-1.89 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.04-1.07 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 73 8.77 (1H, s, H-4), 8.37-8.39 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.77-7.79 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-5), 7.64-7.67 (1H, m, H-6), 7.32-7.36 (1H, m, H-7), 4.63-4.68 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 3.26-3.30 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.86-1.93 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.37-1.40 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 1.05-1.08 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 74 8.83 (1H, s, H-4), 8.43-8.45 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.70-7.71 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.60-7.63 (1H, m, H-6), 7.35-7.38 (1H, m, H-7), 7.22-7.29 (3H, m, Ar—H), 6.93-6.95 (2H, m, Ar—H), 5.92 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar), 3.07-3.10 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.67-1.75 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.86-0.89 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 75 8.75 (1H, s, H-4), 8.36-8.38 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.71-7.72 (1H, d, J = 8.0 Hz, H-5), 7.62-7.65 (1H, m, H-6), 7.19-7.35 (6H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 4.57-4.60 (2H, s, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 3.06-3.09 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 2.74-2.77 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 2.05-2.11 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.73-1.79 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₂CH₂Ar), 0.92-0.96 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₃) 76 8.91 (1H, s, H-4), 8.24-8.25 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.63-7.66 (3H, m, H-5, H-6, H-7), 7.45-7.53 (4H, m, Ar—H), 7.37-7.40 (1H, m, Ar—H), 4.03 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.47 (3H, s, OCH₃) 77 8.92 (1H, s, H-4), 8.23-8.26 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.60-7.64 (3H, m, H-5, H-6, H-7), 7.45-7.53 (4H, m, Ar—H), 7.35-7.39 (1H, m, Ar—H), 3.96-4.03 (5H, s, NCH₂CH₃,OCH₃), 0.98-1.01 (3H, m,, NCH₂CH₃) 78 8.93 (1H, s, H-4), 8.45-8.46 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.65-7.70 (4H, m, H-5, H-6, H-7, Ar—H), 7.56-7.60 (3H, m, Ar—H), 7.36-7.39 (1H, m, Ar—H), 3.44-3.47 (3H, s, NCH₃) 79 8.98 (1H, s, H-4), 8.46-8.48 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.71-7.73 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-5), 7.56-7.68 (6H, m, H-6, H-7, Ar—H), 7.36-7.39 (1H, m, Ar—H), 4.02-4.06 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 0.86-0.89 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃)

Synthesis of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Experimental Instruments and Reagents

Experimental instruments are as described above.

Chemical Reagents

L-tryptophan (Acros Organic, U.S.), 40% formaldehyde solution (analytically pure, Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Plant), selenium dioxide (Acros Organic, U.S.), benzyl bromide (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), methyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhenjiang Yuhuan Biological Reagent Plant), ethyl iodide (analytically pure, Zhenjiang Yuhuan Biological Reagent Plant), iodo-n-butane (chemically pure, Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China National Pharmaceutical Group), and other domestically manufactured analytically pure or chemically pure reagents were used.

Example 110 Synthesis of β-carboline (80)

Compound 10b (24.4 g, 0.1 mol) was mixed with glacial acetic acid (500 ml) followed by the addition of selenium dioxide (20 g, 0.2 mol). The mixture was refluxed for 12 h. The glacial acetic acid was removed I. 1M NaOH solution (200 ml) was added into the residues, then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed by 1M NaOH solution, water and brine, dried, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered, evaporated and recrystallized with ethyl acetate to afford white solids (10.0 g, 60%), and mp 197-198° C. (reference^([20]): 198 to 200° C.).

Example 111 General procedure for the preparation of 9-substituted β-carboline

β-carboline 80 (1.68 g, 10 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) followed by the addition of alkyl halide or aromatics halide (50 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. TLC track measurement was conducted. After the reaction was finished, cold water was poured into the reaction mixture, and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were combined, washed by water and brine, dried, decolorized with activated carbon, filtered and evaporated. The residues were purified by silica gel column chromatography with petroleum ether/acetone (2:1) as the eluent. The collected liquid was concentrated and recrystallized with ethyl acetate. Examples 112 to 115 were all treated according to the above procedures.

Example 112 Synthesis of 9-methyl-β-carboline (81)

Afforded white needle solids (1.4 g, 77%), and mp 108-109° C.

Example 113 Synthesis of 9-ethyl-β-carboline (82)

Afforded yellow oil (1.5 g, 76%).

Example 114 Synthesis of 9-n-butyl-β-carboline (83)

Afforded white needle solids (1.6 g, 71%), and mp 78-79° C.

Example 115 Synthesis of 9-Benzyl-β-carboline (84)

Afforded white needle solids (1.8 g, 69%), and mp 118-120° C.

Physico-Chemical Properties, TLC and Spectra Analyses of 9-Substituted β-Carboline Derivatives

TABLE 18 physico-chemical data of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Compd Formula FW Yield (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 80 C₁₁H₈N₂ 168 60 white powder soluble in 198-200 solids alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 81 C₁₂H₁₀N₂ 182 65 white needle-like soluble in 108-109 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 82 C₁₃H₁₂N₂ 196 76 light yellow oil soluble in — product alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 83 C₁₅H₁₆N₂ 224 71 white needle-like soluble in 78-79 crystals alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc. 84 C₁₈H₁₄N₂ 258 69 white solids soluble in 118-120 alcohols, ethers, esters, chloroform etc.

TABLE 19 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV_(λmax) Compd Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (nm) 80 C₁₁H₈N₂ 169 ND ND 81 C₁₂H₁₀N₂ 183 2058, 1638, 1503, 360, 346, 289, 1335, 1258, 835, 260, 236, 216 754, 718 82 C₁₃H₁₂N₂ 197 3043, 2960, 2484, 365, 290, 260, 2022, 1633, 1500, 253, 218, 207 1461, 1355, 1239, 831, 746, 719 83 C₁₅H₁₆N₂ 225 3013, 2957, 2525, 362, 347, 290, 2030, 1632, 1500, 237, 217 1458, 1331, 823, 745, 720 84 C₁₈H₁₄N₂ 259 3023, 2939, 1619, 358, 344, 289, 1447, 1332, 1200, 237, 212 1025, 821, 752

TABLE 20 ¹H-NMR data of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives Comp ¹H-NMR (δ, CDCl₃) 81 8.88 (1H, s, H-4), 8.46-8.47 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-1), 8.13-8.14 (1H, d, J = 6 Hz, H-8), 7.94-7.95 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-3), 7.59-7.62 (1H, m, H-5), 7.45-7.46 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.25-7.30 (1H, m, H-7), 3.93 (3H, s, CH₃) 82 8.84 (1H, s, H-4), 8.42-8.43 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-1), 8.04-8.05 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.85-7.86 (1H, d, J = 5 Hz, H-3), 7.50-7.53 (1H, m, H-5), 7.34-7.36 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-6), 7.20-7.23(1H, m, H-7), 4.26-4.30 (2H, m, CH₂CH₃), 1.35-1.38 (3H, m, CH₂CH₃) 83 8.86 (1H, s, H-4), 8.43-8.44 (1H, d, J = 5.5 Hz, H-1), 8.06-8.08 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.88-7.89 (1H, d, J = 4.5 Hz, H-3), 7.52-7.55 (1H, m, H-5), 7.38-7.40 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-6), 7.21-7.25 (1H, m, H-7), 4.25-4.28 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 1.79-1.85 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂—CH₃), 1.30-1.38 (2H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃), 0.86-0.91 (3H, m, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) 84 8.84 (1H, s, H-4), 8.48 (1H, s, H-1), 8.15-8.16 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-8), 7.98 (1H, s, H-3), 7.53-7.56 (1H, m, H-5), 7.41-7.43 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-6), 7.13-7.31 (6H, m, J = 8 Hz, H-7, Ar—H), 5.55 (2H, s, CH₂Ar)

Synthesis of 2,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives Experimental Instruments and Reagents

The experimental instruments are as described above.

Chemical Reagents

The chemical reagents are as described above.

Synthetic Routes and Operational Steps

Example 116 Synthesis of 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium iodate (85)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) and 60% NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes followed by the addition of benzyl iodide (5 ml). The mixture was further stirred and reacted at 50 to 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 ml cold water and extracted by ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and then concentrated to afford gold solids. The solids were recrystallized with anhydrous ethanol twice to afford gold solids (2.3 g, 84%), mp>270° C.

Example 117 Synthesis of Synthesis of 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium bromate (86)

Compound 10 (1.2 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (50 ml) and 60% NaH (0.6 g, 15 mmol) followed by the addition of benzyl bromide (4 ml). The mixture was stirred and reacted at 50 to 60° C. for 5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 ml cold water and extracted by ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and then concentrated to afford gold solids. The solids were recrystallized with anhydrous ethanol to afford gold solids (1.8 g, 72%), mp>270° C.

Example 118 Synthesis of 2,9-dimethyl-β-carbolinium bromate (87)

Compound 80 (0.84 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml) and 60% NaH (0.3 g, 15 mmol) followed by the addition of methyl bromide (30 mmol). The mixture was stirred and reacted at 50 to 70° C. for 0.5 hour. The reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml cold water and extracted by ethyl acetate. The extract was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and then concentrated to afford yellow solids. The solids were recrystallized with anhydrous ethanol to afford white solids (1.8 g, 73%), mp>270° C.

Example 119 Synthesis of 2,9-diethyl-β-carbolinium bromate (88)

Compound 80 (0.84 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml) and 60% NaH (0.3 g, 15 mmol) followed by the addition of ethyl bromide (30 mmol). The mixture was stirred and reacted at 50 to 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and then concentrated to afford yellow solids. The solids were recrystallized with anhydrous ethanol to afford yellow solids (1.1 g, 63%), mp>270° C.

Example 120 Synthesis of 2,9-dibenzyl-β-carbolinium bromate (89)

Compound 80 (0.84 g, 5 mmol) was mixed with DMF (30 ml) and 60% NaH (0.3 g, 15 mmol). The mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 10 minutes followed by the addition of benzyl bromide (50 mmol). The mixture was stirred and reacted at 50 to 60° C. for 5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 75 ml cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and then concentrated to afford light yellow solids. The solids were recrystallized with anhydrous ethanol to afford yellow solids (1.8 g, 76%), mp>270° C.

Physico-Chemical Constants, TLC and Spectra Analyses of 2,9-Disubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

TABLE 21 physico-chemical data of 2,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives Yield Compd Formula FW (%) Appearance Solubility Mp (° C.) 85 C₂₈H₂₅N₂IO₂ 548 84 gold solids soluble in alcohols, >270 DMSO and water 86 C₂₈H₂₅N₂BrO₂ 501 72 gold solids soluble in alcohols, >270 DMSO and water 87 C₁₃H₁₃IN₂ 324 73 light yellow soluble in methanol, >270 solids DMSO and water 88 C₁₅H₁₇IN₂ 352 63 light yellow soluble in methanol, >270 solids DMSO and water 89 C₂₅H₂₁IN₂ 476 76 light yellow soluble in methanol, >270 solids DMSO and water

TABLE 22 FAB-MS, IR and UV data of 2,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives FAB-MS IR UV_(λmax) Compd Formula m/e (M + 1) (KBr, cm⁻¹) (nm) 85 C₂₈H₂₅N₂IO₂ 421 ND ND 86 C₂₈H₂₅N₂BrO₂ 421 3421, 2976, 1726, 1630, 397, 317, 284, 1517, 1457, 1367, 1304, 243 1257, 1096, 1006 87 C₁₃H₁₃IN₂ 197 3447, 2985, 1807, 1642, 390, 309, 261, 257, 1517, 1467, 1376, 1335, 220, 210 1262, 1153 88 C₁₅H₁₇IN₂ 225 3437, 2977, 1815, 1639, 389, 310, 261, 1509, 1458, 1335, 1243, 257, 220210 1158, 1083 89 C₂₅H₂₁IN₂ 349 3409, 2982, 2935, 1644, 390, 313, 262, 1511, 1453, 1337, 1211, 235, 205 1134

TABLE 23 ¹H-NMR data of 2,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives Compd ¹H-NMR (δ, DMSO-d₆) 86 9.88 (1H, s, H-4), 9.30 (1H, s, H-1), 8.55-8.57 (1H, d, J = 7.5 Hz, H-8), 7.87-7.92 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.55-7.59 (1H, m, H-7), 7.20-7.36 (1OH, m, Ar—H), 6.39 (2H, s, ⁺N—CH₂—Ar), 5.98 (2H, s, NCH₂—Ar), 4.44-4.48 (2H, m, OCH₂CH₃), 1.34-1.37 (3H, m, OCH₂CH₃) 87 9.42 (1H, s, H-4), 8.66-8.67 (1H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H-1), 8.51-8.52 (1H, d, J = 6.0 Hz, H-8), 8.43-8.45 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-3), 7.83-7.91 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.50-7.53 (1H, m, H-7), 4.57 (3H, m, ⁺NCH₃), 4.13 (3H, m, NCH₃) 88 9.61 (1H, s, H-4), 8.68-8.69 (1H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H-1), 8.61-8.63 (1H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H-8), 8.42-8.44 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz, H-3), 7.84-7.89 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.48-7.51 (1H, m, H-7), 4.83-4.87 (2H, m,⁺NCH₂CH₃), 4.67-4.72 (2H, m, NCH₂CH₃), 1.75-1.78 (3H, m, ⁺NCH₂CH₃), 1.51-1.54 (3H, m, NCH₂CH₃) 89 9.57 (1H, s, H-4), 8.71 (2H, s, H-1, H-8), 8.42-8.44 (1H, d, J = 8.5 Hz, H-3), 7.81-7.82 (2H, m, H-5, H-6), 7.40-7.50 (6H, m, H-7, Ar—H), 7.19-7.28 (5H, m, Ar—H), 5.95 (2H, s, N⁺CH₂Ar), 5.86 (2H, s, NCH₂Ar)

Example 121 Assay of Acute Toxicities Materials and methods 1. Materials

(1) Chemicals: compounds 11, 16, 33, 36, 37, 42, 48, 55, 84 and 86 (2) Animals: Healthy mice, Kunming species (provided by Shanghai Experimental Animal Center, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Certificate No.: Hudonghezhengzidi 107), weighing 19-20 g, each group contained 10 mice (five males and five females) (3) Solvents: physiological saline and 0.5% CMC-Na solution

2. Methods (1) Dosage Setting

Five grades of dosages for each sample according to the results of the preliminary test, each dosage being 0.8 larger than the previous one

(2) Formulation of the Medicament

During the experiment, each sample was added a small amount of Tween-80 to facilitate dissolution after the sample was weighed, and then 0.5% CMC-Na solution was gradually added to achieve the desired concentration. The experimental volume was 0.5 ml/20 g mouse.

(3) Administration Manner

Single injection via intraperitoneal (i.p.) to different groups mice.

(4) Test on Acute Toxicity

Kunming mice were divided into different groups randomly according to their sex. The medicament was intraperitoneally administered to each group of mice according to the dosage setting. After the administration of the medicaments, mice were observed continuously for the first 2 h for any gross behavioral changes and deaths. Dead animals were dissected and examined for any possible organ damage. Survived animals were observed for another two weeks. Conditions of animals died within two week were recorded. After two weeks, all survived animals were sacrificed and checked macroscopically for possible damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and so on. Viscera that had substantive pathological changes were pathologically examined. According to the number of dead animals in each group, semi-lethal dosage (LD₅₀ value) was calculated, and the maximum tolerance dosage (MTD) of compounds that had lower toxicity was calculated too.

TABLE 24 Acute toxic effect of compound 11 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Dos- age Number Death distribution LD₅₀ (mg/ of (day) Death (95% CL) Sex kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 300 5 5000000000---0 100 240 5 4000000000---0 80 192 5 2000000000---0 40 153.6 5 1000000000---0 20 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 female 300 5 5000000000---0 100 240 5 5000000000---0 100 192 5 3000000000---0 60 153.6 5 2000000000---0 40 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 50% 300 10 10000000000---0  100 183.47 male (159.21-211.43) 50% 240 10 9000000000---0 90 female 192 10 5000000000---0 50 153.6 10 3000000000---0 30 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 25 Acute toxic effect of compound 16 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Death distribution Dosage (day) LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) Number of animals 12345678910--21 Death rate (mg/kg) Sex Male 300 5 1000000000---0 20 19.6/25.2 240 5 0000000000---0 0 19.7/25.7 192 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/26.1 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/26.4 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/26.3 female 300 5 2000000000---0 40 20.0/23.3 240 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/24.2 192 5 0000000000---0 0 19.9/24.9 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 20.1/24.7 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 20.1/24.8 50% 300 10 3000000000---0 30 240 male 50% 240 10 0000000000---0 0 female 192 10 0000000000---0 0 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 26 Acute toxic effect of compound 33 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution Dosage of (day) Death LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 300 5 4000000000---0 80 240 5 2000000000---0 40 192 5 0000000000---0 0 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 female 300 5 5000000000---0 100 240 5 3000000000---0 60 192 5 1000000000---0 20 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 50% 300 10 9000000000---0 90 240.38 male (211.28-273.50) 50% 240 10 5000000000---0 50 female 192 10 1000000000---0 10 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 27 Acute toxic effect of compound 36 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution LD₅₀ Dosage of (day) Death (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) Sex male 300 5 1000000000---0 20 20.0/25.5 240 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/25.0 192 5 0000000000---0 0 20.1/26.2 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 20.1/26.2 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/26.4 female 300 5 2000000000---0 40 19.7/24.3 240 5 0000000000---0 0 19.5/24.5 192 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/24.9 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 19.7/24.8 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 19.9/25.2 50% 300 10 3000000000---0 30 >300 male 50% 240 10 0000000000---0 0 female 192 10 0000000000---0 0 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 28 Acute toxic effect of compound 37 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution Dosage of (day) Death LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 300 5 5000000000---0 100 240 5 5000000000---0 100 192 5 3000000000---0 60 153.6 5 2000000000---0 40 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 fe- 300 5 5000000000---0 100 male 240 5 5000000000---0 100 192 5 4000000000---0 80 153.6 5 2000000000---0 40 122.9 5 1000000000---0 10 50% 300 10 10000000000---0  100 163.48 male (141.56-188.76) 50 240 10 10000000000---0  100 fe- 192 10 7000000000---0 70 male 153.6 10 4000000000---0 40 122.9 10 1000000000---0 10

TABLE 29 Acute toxic effect of compound 42 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution Dosage of (day) Death LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 300 5 4000000000---0 80 240 5 2000000000---0 40 192 5 0000000000---0 0 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 female 300 5 4000000000---0 80 240 5 3000000000---0 60 192 5 1000000000---0 20 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 50% 300 10 8000000000---0 80 247.13 male (213.51-286.03) 50% 240 10 5000000000---0 50 female 192 10 1000000000---0 10 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 30 Acute toxic effect of compound 48 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution Dosage of (day) Death LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 300 5 5000000000---0 100 240 5 3000000000---0 60 192 5 1000000000---0 20 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 fe- 300 5 5000000000---0 100 male 240 5 3000000000---0 60 192 5 2000000000---0 40 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 50% 300 10 10000000000---0  100 219.19 male (193.25-248.61) 50% 240 10 6000000000---0 60 fe- 192 10 3000000000---0 30 male 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 31 Acute toxic effect of compound 55 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution LD₅₀ Dosage of (day) Death (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) Sex male 300 5 2000000000---0 40 20.1/25.3 240 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/25.7 192 5 0000000000---0 0 20.0/25.9 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 20.0/26.2 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 20.0/26.1 female 300 5 3000000000---0 60 19.5/24.0 240 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/24.5 192 5 0000000000---0 0 19.7/24.7 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 19.7/24.6 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 19.9/24.9 50% 300 10 5000000000---0 50 240 male 50% 240 10 0000000000---0 0 female 192 10 0000000000---0 0 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 32 Acute toxic effect of compound 84 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Number Death distribution LD₅₀ Dosage of (day) Death (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) Sex male 300 5 1000000000---0 20 20.0/25.5 240 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/25.1 192 5 0000000000---0 0 20.1/26.2 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 20.0/26.3 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 20.2/26.4 female 300 5 2000000000---0 40 19.7/24.4 240 5 0000000000---0 0 19.6/24.6 192 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/24.9 153.6 5 0000000000---0 0 19.8/24.7 122.9 5 0000000000---0 0 19.9/25.0 50% 300 10 3000000000---0 30 240 male 50% 240 10 0000000000---0 0 famle 192 10 0000000000---0 0 153.6 10 0000000000---0 0 122.9 10 0000000000---0 0

TABLE 33 Acute toxic effect of compound 86 in mice (administration via intraperitoneal) Death distribution Dosage Number of (day) Death LD₅₀ (95% CL) Sex (mg/kg) animals 12345678910--21 rate (mg/kg) male 100 5 1350000000---0 90 80 5 0132000000---0 60 64 5 0031100000---0 50 51.2 5 0011100000---0 20 40.96 5 0000000000---0 0 female 100 5 2341000000---0 100 80 5 0322000000---0 70 64 5 0121000000---0 40 51.2 5 0111000000---0 30 40.96 5 0000000000---0 0 50% 100 10 3691000000---0 95 65.7 male (58.25-74.11) 50% 80 10 0454000000---0 65 female 64 10 0152100000---0 45 51.2 10 0122000000---0 25 40.96 10 0000000000---0 0

3. Results 3.1 Observations of Ordinary Symptoms

After drug administration, all the mice exhibited symptoms such as quivering of abdominal muscles, stretch, loose hairs, and retardant action, but did not show obvious symptoms of nervous toxicity such as trembling, twists, and jumps. Death peak of the animal occurred the very day when the medicament was administered, except for compound 86. As for compound 86, the death peak occurred 2 to 3 days after the medicament was administered. Generally, no obvious abnormal organs were observed after the dead animals were dissected. Survived animals recovered to normal state gradually.

3.2 Results of Neurotoxicity and Acute Toxicity (LD₅₀/MTD)

See table 120-1 to table 120-10 for results of dosage-reaction value and LD₅₀ value or MTD value.

For the convenience of comparison, the results [153] of the previous tests on acute toxicity and the results of the present tests are shown in table 34.

TABLE 34 Results of neurotoxicities and the acute toxicities (LD₅₀/MTD) of β-carboline derivatives

Compd R₁ R₂ R₃ R₄ R₅ LD₅₀ MTD Neurotoxic  1* CH₃ H H CH₃O H  59.00 — ++  2* CH₃ H H CH₃O CH₃  28.92 — ++  3* CH₃ H H CH₃O C₂H₅  24.25 — ++  4* CH₃ H H CH₃O n-C₄H₉  26.45 — ++  6* CH₃ H H CH₃O CH₂C₆H₅ 147.82 — ++ 11 CH₃ H CO₂C₂H₅ H H 183.47 — — 16 C₆H₅-p- H CO₂CH₃ H H — 240 — OH 17* H H COOH H H 135.22 — — 26* H H CO₂C₂H₃ H CH₃  70.61 — + 27* H H CO₂C₂H₅ H C₂H₅  95.06 — + 33 H H CO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ 240.38 — — 36 H H COOH H n-C₄H₉ — >300 — 37 H H COOH H CH₂C₆H₅ 163.48 — — 42 H H CH₂OH H CH₂C₆H₅ 247.13 — — 48 H H COOH H (CH₂)₃C₆H₅ 219.19 — — 55 H H NHCO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ — 240 — 84 H H H H CH₂C₆H₅ — 240 — 86 H CH₂C₆H₅ CO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅  65.7 — —

Example 122 In Vitro Cytotoxicy Assays 1. Materials and Method 1.1 Materials (1) Reagents

RPMI1640 culture medium (GIBCO, U.S.), MTT (Sigma, U.S.), Fetal Bovine Serum (GIBCO or Hyclone, U.S.), HEPES (Sigma, U.S.), trypsin operating fluid (0.125% trypsin, Sigma, 0.01% EDTA, dissolved in D-Hanks solution), DMSO (Sigma, U.S.), cell freezing solution (90% FBS+10% DMSO), D-Hanks balanced salt solution (i.e. Hanks solution free of calcium and magnesium ions: 8 g NaCl, 0.4 g KCl, 0.06 g Na₂HPO₄.2H₂O, 0.06 g KH₂PO₄.2H₂O, 0.35 g NaHCO₃ were dissolved in tri-distilled water with no phenol red), PBS (8 g NaCl, 0.2 g KCl, 1.56 g Na₂HPO₄.2H₂O, 0.2 g KH₂PO₄.2H₂O were dissolved in tri-distilled water) were used. Chemicals: 88 compounds synthesized as described in the second part of the description and harmine of formula 1.

Cells: HepG2, PLA-801, Bel-7402, BGC-823, Hela, Lovo and NIH3T3. (2) Instruments

A super clean bench, a CO₂ cell culture incubator, an universal microplate Reader (BIO-TEK INSTRUMENT, INC.), an inverted microscope, a liquid nitrogen tank, an ultrapure water system (Millipore, Inc), various models of filters, a positive air filtration system, a centrifuge, and a constant temperature water bath were used.

Other reagents and instruments used included penicillin sodium sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, DMSO (Sigma), sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, benzalkonium bromide solution, various models of cell culture bottles and dishes, 96 pore/24 pore/6 pore cell culture plates, glass centrifuge tubes, glass pipettes, suckers, cannula, cell counting plates, various models of pipettors, cell freezing tubes, forceps and the like.

1.2 Methods (1) Culture Solutions

Culture medium powder RPMI1640 was dissolved in a proper amount of tri-distilled water according to the instruction of the product. For every 1000 ml culture solution, 5.94 g HEPES and 2.0 g sodium bicarbonate were added. It was the basic culture solution. The complete culture solution was added with FBS having a final concentration of 10%, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 g/ml streptomycin. The solution was fully stirred by a magnetic blender, and the pH of the solution was adjusted to 6.8-7.0. The volume was kept constant. After being filtered and disinfected, the solution was kept into several containers which were sealed and stored at 4° C.

(2) Culture and Subculture

The cells were placed in a culture dish followed by the addition of complete culture liquid RPMI1640 and then cultured in a incubator comprising 5% CO₂ at 37° C. In the exponential growth phase, the cells grew vigorously. If the culture liquid became yellow, the liquid should be replaced instantly.

Prior to the plateau phase, the cells needed to be subcultured. During the passage of the anchorage-dependent cells, the old culture liquid was removed. A proper amount of trypsin operating solution was added to digest the cells. When the cells became round and began to fall off, the complete culture liquid was added to terminate the digestion. The cells on the wall were blown off using a pipette. The cells were centrifugalized in a centrifuge tube at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. The cells were blown off by the addition of culture liquid and then inoculated in the culture dish at a cell concentration of from 1/10 to 1/20. During the passage of the suspended or semi-suspended cells, the cells were blown homogenous by using a pipette and directly inoculated in a new culture liquid at a concentration of from 1/10 to 1/20.

(3) The Frozen and Recovery of the Cells

The cells in the exponential phase (the anchorage-dependent cells were digested by trypsin at first and then collected by centrifugalization, and the suspended and semi-suspended cells were directly collected by centrifugalization) were added into a pre-formulated cell freezing solution which was stored at 4° C., and were blown to form a unicellular suspension. The concentration of the suspension was adjusted to 10⁶ to 5×10⁶ cell/ml, and then the suspension was transferred to a freezing tube surround by cloth. The tube was placed at 4° C., 20° C., and −80° C. respectively and finally suspended under liquid nitrogen such that the temperature of the tube would be lowered gradually. The tube was placed into a liquid nitrogen tank the next day.

During recovery, the freezing tube was taken out of the liquid nitrogen tank and quickly placed into a water bath at 37° C. The tube was stirred continuously such that the cells were quickly defrosted. The cells were transferred to a glass centrifuge tube at a sterile air bench followed by the addition of a small amount of culture liquid to wash the cells. The cells were centrifugalized at 1000 rpm. After the supernatant was removed, the cells were washed once again and then transferred to a culture dish to be cultured in a CO₂ incubator.

(4) Morphologic Observations of the Growth Condition of Tumor Cell Strains

The cells were cultured at a 96-pore culture plate while the cells were in the logarithmic growth phase. While samples having a preset concentration to be tested were placed at the plate, an equivalent amount of dissolvent for dissolving the medicament was added to serve as a comparison. The cells treated by the medicament and the control cells were observed in an optical microscope at different times. The morphologic changes of the cells were recorded and photographed.

(5) Measurement of IC₅₀ Value by MTT Method

The cells, at a concentration of 10⁵/ml, were inoculated at a 96-pore culture plate. In each pore, 100 μl cells were inoculated. The cells were placed in a CO₂ incubator until the cells were in the logarithmic growth phase. The samples to be tested were added according to the preset concentration gradient. For each gradient, the test was conducted at least three times. An equivalent amount of solvent for dissolving the samples was added in the control group. After 48 h of culture, each pore was added 20 μl MTT (5 mg/ml). The cells were cultured at 37° C. for 4 h. After the supernatant was carefully removed, 100 μl DMSO was added in each pore. The plate was agitated for about 10 minutes such that the precipitates were dissolved. After that, OD value was identified with a Microplate Reader at the wavelength of 490 nm. The survival rate of the cells at various concentrations was calculated according to the following formula:

Survival rate %=average OD value of the sample group/average OD value of the control group×100%

Plots of log survival rate of the cells vs. concentration of the medicament were constructed, and the IC₅₀ value of each sample was calculated according to graphing methods.

3. Results 3.1 Morphologic Observations of the Growth Conditions of the Tumor Cell Strains

See FIG. 12 for the morphologic observations of the growth conditions of the tumor cells.

It can be seen from the figure that the cell configuration was significantly changed after human liver cancer HepG2 cells were affected by β-carboline derivatives.

3.2 IC₅₀ Value Measured by MTT Methods IC₅₀ Value of 1,7,9-Trisubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

IC₅₀ values of 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines are shown in table 35.

TABLE 35 The IC₅₀ of 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml) Cell strains PLA- Compd 801 HepG2 BeI7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3 1 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.06 2 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.05 0.01 0.04 0.04 3 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.17 0.07 4 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.03 0.09 0.04 5 0.08 0.31 0.24 0.20 0.03 0.03 0.08 6 0.06 0.09 0.06 0.10 0.27 0.05 0.05 7 0.42 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.05 8 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.02

2. IC₅₀ values of 3- and 1,3-Disubstiuted β-Carboline Derivatives

See table 36 for the IC₅₀ values of 3- and 1,3-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines.

TABLE 36 The IC₅₀ values of 3- and 1,3-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml) Cell strains PLA- Compd 801 HepG2 BeI7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3  9* 0.31 2.51 0.30 0.29 0.10 0.17 0.20 10* 0.28 1.25 2.91 1.28 0.06 1.01 0.08 11* 0.26 0.09 0.23 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.10 12* >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 1.57 >3.0 13* 0.67 1.06 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 0.74 0.75 14* 1.90 1.18 >5.0 1.68 0.32 2.48 0.49 15* >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 16* 1.02 >5.0 1.08 0.97 0.15 0.62 2.18 17 0.30 0.28 0.23 0.28 0.22 0.17 0.06 18 0.68 0.27 0.31 0.39 0.29 0.10 0.15 19 0.14 0.08 0.16 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.20 20 0.74 0.36 1.43 0.74 0.40 0.31 0.32 21 0.57 0.34 1.57 0.86 0.31 0.24 0.29 22 0.20 0.23 0.13 0.21 0.17 0.16 0.32 23 2.16 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 24 1.08 0.58 0.74 0.78 0.62 0.49 0.36 25 0.78 1.13 0.59 0.64 0.78 0.25 0.31

3. IC₅₀ Values of 3,9-Disubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

See table 37 for the IC₅₀ values of 3,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines.

TABLE 37 The IC₅₀ values of 3,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml)

Compd R₃ R₉ PLA-801 HepG2 Bel7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3 26 COOCH₃ CH₃ 0.12 0.12 0.19 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.09 27 COOCH₃ C₂H₅ 0.29 0.16 0.53 0.25 0.21 0.11 0.13 28 COOCH₃ n-C₄H₉ 0.14 0.46 0.43 0.31 0.29 0.17 0.08 29 COOCH₃ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.48 1.77 0.06 0.95 0.12 0.31 0.36 30 COOC₂H₅ CH₃ 0.12 0.15 0.14 0.15 0.18 0.10 0.10 31 COOC₂H₅ C₂H₅ 0.17 0.11 0.26 0.14 0.14 0.07 0.10 32 COOC₂H₅ n-C₄H₉ 0.07 0.48 0.78 0.76 0.49 0.17 0.06 33 COOC₂H₅ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.17 0.08 0.34 0.15 0.01 0.12 0.05 34 COOH CH₃ 0.27 0.15 0.33 0.13 0.09 0.09 0.13 35 COOH C₂H₅ 0.21 0.18 0.23 0.16 0.18 0.06 0.14 36 COOH n-C₄H₉ 0.09 0.17 0.09 0.12 0.06 0.01 0.02 37 COOH CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.10 0.10 0.11 0.05 0.09 0.04 0.05 38 COOC₄H₉ CH₃ >3.0 1.61 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 2.52 >3.0 39 COOC₄H₉ C₂H₅ 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.08 40 COOC₄H₉ n-C₄H₉ 2.12 1.08 1.08 0.07 0.95 0.04 0.05 41 COOC₄H₉ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.99 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 1.08 >3.0 42 CH₂OH CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.16 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.12 0.10 0.09 43 CH₂OOCCH₃ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.25 0.30 0.13 >3.0 0.50 >3.0 >3.0 44 COOCH₂C₆H₅ CH₂ C₆H₅ >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 45 COOC₂H₃ (CH₂)₃ C₆H₅ >3.0 >3.0 0.387 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 46 COOC₂H₅ CH₂ C₆F₅ 0.05 0.12 0.01 0.05 0.98 0.04 0.06 47 COOC₂H₅ CH₂COC₆H₅ >3.0 >3.0 1.02 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 48 COOH (CH₂)₃C₆H₅ 0.26 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.10 0.01 0.03 49 COOH CH₂ C₆F₅ 0.09 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.02 50 COOH CH₂COC₆H₅ 0.14 0.09 0.14 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.05 51 CONHNH₂ C₂H₅ 0.51 0.26 0.37 0.11 0.24 0.19 0.51 52 CONHNH₂ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.52 0.14 0.06 0.27 0.25 0.25 0.22 53 NHCOOCH₃ C₂H₅ >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 54 NHCOOC₂H₅ C₂H₅ >3.0 >3.0 1.68 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 55 NHCOOC₂H₅ CH₂ C₆H₅ 0.52 >3.0 2.44 >3.0 >3.0 2.13 1.79

4. IC₅₀ Values of 1,3,9-Trisubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

See table 38 for the IC₅₀ values of 1,3,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines.

TABLE 38 The IC₅₀ values of 1,3,9-trisubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml) Cell strains PLA- Compd 801 HepG2 BeI7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3 56 0.14 0.10 0.49 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.06 57 0.16 0.08 0.88 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.06 58 1.39 2.00 0.21 2.08 0.25 0.17 1.82 59 0.11 0.04 0.18 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.03 60 0.05 0.03 0.10 0.004 0.02 0.04 0.04 61 0.16 0.07 0.46 0.09 0.06 0.05 0.09 62 2.35 1.38 1.50 0.64 1.11 0.44 0.63 63 2.33 2.80 1.82 1.66 0.97 0.59 0.71 64 0.41 0.28 0.69 0.28 0.37 0.20 0.14 65 0.21 0.14 0.56 0.27 0.22 0.05 0.11 66 0.19 0.12 0.12 0.16 0.11 0.08 0.08 67 2.00 2.23 >3.0 1.52 2.48 1.34 1.46 68 0.14 0.10 0.46 0.11 1.36 0.06 0.08 69 0.71 0.11 0.33 0.23 0.09 0.10 0.10 70 0.16 0.79 1.01 1.01 0.81 1.17 1.57 71 0.26 0.12 0.91 1.32 0.06 0.06 0.19 72 1.40 1.17 >3.0 0.54 0.96 0.21 0.57 73 0.71 0.54 0.57 0.39 0.42 0.26 0.39 74 0.27 0.17 0.18 0.27 0.16 0.14 0.16 75 0.23 0.13 0.20 0.24 0.14 0.08 0.11 76 >3.0 >3.0 0.62 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 >3.0 77 >3.0 >3.0 0.38 >3.0 2.66 0.070 0.140 78 0.65 0.16 0.28 0.21 0.17 0.11 0.15 79 0.11 0.16 0.14 0.25 0.14 0.10 0.12

5. IC₅₀ Values of 9-Substituted β-Carboline Derivatives

See table 39 for the IC₅₀ values of 9-substituted β-carboline alkaloid derivatives against tumor cell lines.

TABLE 39 The IC₅₀ values of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml) Cell strains PLA- Compd 801 HepG2 BeI7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3 80 0.02 0.23 0.38 0.27 0.35 0.04 0.02 81 0.22 0.10 0.30 0.20 0.33 0.22 0.12 82 0.13 0.17 0.31 0.17 0.23 0.16 0.10 83 0.13 0.10 0.16 0.10 0.09 0.13 0.08 84 0.12 0.11 0.08 0.07 0.05 0.12 0.11

6. IC₅₀ Values of 2,9-Disubstituted β-Carboline Derivatives

See table 40 for the IC₅₀ values of 9-substituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines.

TABLE 40 The IC₅₀ values of 2,9-disubstituted β-carboline derivatives against tumor cell lines (μmol/ml) Cell strains PLA- Compd 801 HepG2 BeI7402 BGC823 Hela Lovo NIH3T3 85 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.02 86 0.01 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.02 87 0.28 0.20 0.37 0.26 0.07 1.82 0.38 88 1.20 0.43 1.31 1.31 0.86 2.15 0.63 89 0.10 0.03 0.07 0.06 0.02 0.03 0.03

Example 123 Assay of Anti-Tumor Activity 1 Materials and Methods 1.1. Materials (1) Chemicals

Compounds 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 31, 33, 37, 36, 42, 48, 55, 84 and 86 (see tables 12-3 for the chemical structures), and cyclophosphamide for injection used for positive control sample (available in Shanghai Hualian Pharmaceutical Group) was used.

(2) Animals

Mice C₅₇BL/6 and Kunming mice, (provided by Shanghai Experimental Animal Center, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Certificate No.: Hudonghezhengzidi 107), weighing 18-20 g, The mice for each group of tests could be of the same sex. There was one group of 8 to 10 mice C₅₇BL/6 and Kunming mice for the anti-tumor tests and two groups of mice for negative control.

(3) Sources of tumors: Lewis lung cancer cells and S180 sarcoma in mice, which were sub-cultured and maintained by Pharmacological Center of Shanghai Pharmaceutical Industrial Research Institute.

(4) Solvents: Physiological Saline, and 0.5% CMC-Na Solution

1.2 Methods (1) Setting of the Dosage

The medicaments tested were divided into a high dosage group and a low dosage group, which were respectively based on 1/5 and 1/10 of the LD₅₀ value or MTD value of said medicaments that were intraperitoneally administered once.

(2) Formulation of the Medicament

All samples were weighed and added a small amount of Tween-80 to facilitate dissolution during the experiment, and then 0.5% CMC-Na solution was gradually added to achieve the desired concentration. The volume for experiment was 0.5 ml/20 g mouse.

(3) Administration Scheme

The medicaments were intraperitoneally administered once a day continuously for 10 days.

For the negative control group, a vehicle of the same volume was intraperitoneally administered once a day continuously for 10 days. For the positive control group, CTX was administered in the dosage of 30 mg/kg once a day continuously for 7 days.

(4) Procedures of Assay of the Anti-Tumor Activity in Mice

In vivo anti-tumor subcutaneous vaccination in the axilla was employed. Wildly grown tumor source was taken under sterile conditions to form a cell suspension of about 1×10⁷ ml by homogenization method. For a corresponding mouse host, the suspension was injected in the axilla in an amount of 0.2 ml/mouse. The next day, the medicaments were administered according to the design of the tests. About three weeks later, all the groups of animals were executed. The tumors were taken from the animals and weighed. The inhibition rate of tumors was calculated according to the following formula:

(C−T)/C×100

T: average tumor weight of treated group; C: average tumor weight of negative control group.

After the administration of the medicaments, mice were observed immediately for any gross behavioral changes and deaths as well as any neurotoxic symptoms, such as jumping, quivering, twisting and so on.

TABLE 41 The antitumor activity of β-carboline derivatives against mouse Lewis lung cancer Body weight of Number of the animals (g) Weight of the tumor Inhibition animals (beginning/end) X ± SD (g) rate (%) Dosage Administration (beginning/ First Second First Second First Second Compd (mg/ml) scheme end) time time time time time time 10 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.3/23.6 — 1.41 ± 0.21*** — 41.98 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.1/2.35 — 1.63 ± 0.16*** — 32.92 — 11 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.3/23.0 19.8/23.8 1.40 ± 0.16*** 1.35 ± 0.14*** 44.22 42.8  25 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.7/23.4 19.9/24.5 1.78 ± 0.16 1.58 ± 0.09*** 29.08 33.05 14 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.7/23.1 — 1.60 ± 0.19*** — 34.16 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.1/23.8 — 1.76 ± 0.25 — 27.57 — 15 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.3/24.0 — 1.65 ± 0.17*** — 32.10 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.4/23.9 — 1.81 ± 0.28 — 25.51 — 17 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.0/24.8 20.4/24.9 1.84 ± 0.48*** 1.51 ± 0.09*** 37.20 37.86 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.2/25.4 20.2/25.4 2.01 ± 0.28*** 1.75 ± 0.09*** 31.40 27.98 31 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.5/23.7 — 1.55 ± 0.22*** — 36.21 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.6/24.3 — 1.70 ± 0.12*** — 30.04 — 33 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.9/24.7 19.0/24.5 1.39 ± 0.15*** 1.66 ± 0.12*** 42.80 43.34 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.3/25.4 18.9/24.9 1.60 ± 0.09*** 2.02 ± 0.18*** 34.16 31.06 36 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.3/25.2 20.1/25.0 1.70 ± 0.17*** 1.29 ± 0.13*** 41.98 46.91 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.8/25.6 20.1/25.3 2.00 ± 0.28*** 1.66 ± 0.17*** 31.74 31.69 37 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.9/23.9 19.5/24.3 1.53 ± 0.14*** 1.34 ± 0.14*** 39.04 43.22 25 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.6/24.1 19.6/24.9 1.83 ± 0.17 1.67 ± 0.16 27.09 29.24 42 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.3/25.1 18.9/25.1 1.62 ± 0.12*** 1.92 ± 0.26*** 33.33 34.47 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.0/24.7 19.1/24.7 2.14 ± 0.26 1.89 ± 0.14 22.22 26.96 48 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.8/24.8 19.3/25.2 1.58 ± 0.08*** 1.77 ± 0.15*** 34.98 39.59 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.1/25.3 19.0/25.0 1.82 ± 0.10 2.09 ± 0.19 25.10 28.67 55 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.1/23.5 19.7/23.9 1.76 ± 0.10*** 1.63 ± 0.18*** 29.88 30.93 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.7/23.8 19.6/24.5 1.96 ± 0.12*** 1.78 ± 0.19*** 21.91 24.58 84 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 18.5/24.2 19.4/24.7 1.63 ± 0.11*** 1.48 ± 0.15*** 35.06 37.29 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.0/24.1 19.7/25.2 1.83 ± 0.11 1.63 ± 0.16*** 27.09 30.93 86 20 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.0/25.2 18.7/23.9 1.42 ± 0.11*** 1.61 ± 0.17*** 41.56 45.05 10 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.2/24.5 19.1/25.1 1.58 ± 0.11*** 1.84 ± 0.17*** 34.98 37.20 CTX 30 Iv × 7qd 8/8 20.1/21.3 18.9/21.3 0.32 ± 0.12*** 0.27 ± 0.11*** 86.83 90.82 CTX 30 Iv × 7qd 8/8 18.8/20.2 19.8/21.0 0.28 ± 0.14*** 0.32 ± 0.13*** 88.69 86.44 negative vehicle Iv × 10qd 16/16 20.2/25.9 19.1/25.5 2.43 ± 0.25 2.93 ± 0.29 — — control negative vehicle Iv × 10qd 16/16 18.9/24.2 19.7/25.8 2.51 ± 0.24 2.36 ± 0.23 — — control Note 1: ***represents that P < 0.01 compared with the negative control group.

TABLE 42 The antitumor activity of β-carboline derivatives against mouse S180 sarcoma Body weight of Number of the animals (g) Weight of the tumor Inhibition animals (beginning/end) X ± SD (g) rate (%) Dosage Administration (beginning/ First Second First Second First Second Compd (mg/ml) scheme end) time time time time time time 10 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.1/25.5 — 1.56 ± 0.17*** — 40.46 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.0/26.4 — 1.81 ± 0.20*** — 30.92 — 11 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.5/25.9 20.6/23.9 1.59 ± 0.16*** 1.62 ± 0.38*** 44.21 43.16 25 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.5/26.3 20.4/24.2 1.86 ± 0.18*** 1.94 ± 0.16*** 34.74 31.93 14 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.9/25.5 — 1.78 ± 0.20*** — 32.06 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.8/26.7 — 1.98 ± 0.28 — 24.43 — 15 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.9/26.0 — 1.69 ± 0.16*** — 35.50 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.8/26.4 — 2.00 ± 0.16 — 23.66 — 17 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.3/24.2 18.6/25.3 1.73 ± 0.16*** 1.81 ± 0.20*** 35.21 32.96 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.2/24.7 18.5/25.9 2.03 ± 0.24 2.02 ± 0.21 23.97 25.19 31 100 ip × 10qd 8/8 20.0/26.1 — 1.65 ± 0.16*** — 37.02 — 50 ip × 10qd 8/8 19.7/26.7 — 1.88 ± 0.21 — 28.04 — 33 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.4/24.6 18.6/25.1 1.53 ± 0.15*** 1.62 ± 0.30*** 42.70 40.00 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.4/24.4 18.7/25.6 1.78 ± 0.17*** 1.83 ± 0.19*** 33.33 32.22 36 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.0/24.5 18.7/25.5 1.52 ± 0.15*** 1.62 ± 0.12*** 43.07 40.00 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.1/24.9 18.3/25.3 1.87 ± 0.16*** 1.86 ± 0.28*** 29.96 31.11 37 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.7/26.3 20.6/24.7 1.87 ± 0.13*** 1.91 ± 0.23*** 34.39 32.98 25 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.6/26.9 20.4/25.1 2.17 ± 0.18 2.16 ± 0.27 23.86 24.21 42 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.2/24.3 18.9/25.1 1.92 ± 0.25 2.02 ± 0.36 28.09 25.15 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.5/24.7 18.4/25.6 2.16 ± 0.38 2.14 ± 0.23 19.10 20.74 48 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.4/24.8 18.5/26.0 1.84 ± 0.11*** 1.83 ± 0.16*** 31.09 32.22 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.4/24.8 18.6/25.8 2.15 ± 0.39 2.11 ± 0.25 19.48 21.85 55 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.4/26.7 20.3/24.9 2.02 ± 0.22*** 2.05 ± 0.17*** 29.12 28.07 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.8/27.0 20.9/24.8 2.18 ± 0.23 2.28 ± 0.18 23.51 20.00 84 100 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.7/26.4 20.2/25.0 1.79 ± 0.27*** 1.79 ± 0.16*** 37.19 37.19 50 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.6/26.8 20.4/25.4 2.01 ± 0.24*** 1.96 ± 0.16*** 29.47 31.23 86 20 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.0/23.7 18.9/24.4 1.63 ± 0.26*** 1.59 ± 0.17*** 38.95 41.11 10 ip × 10qd 10/10 19.3/24.5 18.7/24.9 1.84 ± 0.16*** 1.92 ± 0.20 31.09 28.89 CTX 30 ip × 7qd 10/10 19.4/20.9 19.8/23.2 0.33 ± 0.14*** 0.36 ± 0.13*** 87.55 87.37 CTX 30 ip × 7qd 10/10 18.7/22.3 20.3/20.9 0.33 ± 0.12*** 0.27 ± 0.13*** 87.93 90.53 negative vehicle iv × 10qd 20/20 19.2/24.6 19.6/27.0 2.67 ± 0.30 2.85 ± 0.33 — — control negative vehicle iv × 10qd 10/10 18.8/25.9 20.5/25.3 2.70 ± 0.31 2.85 ± 0.33 — — control Note 1: ***represents that P < 0.01 compared with the negative control group.

2. Results 2.1 Observations of Ordinary Symptoms

After the administration of all 14 compounds tested, no symptoms of nervous toxicity, such as quivering, jumping and twisting, occurred. It was thus demonstrated that all compounds do not have nervous toxicity.

2.2 Results of the Anti-Tumor Activity

The results of the therapeutic effect on Lewis lung cancer cells are shown in table 41. See FIG. 13 for the real image of the therapeutic effect. The results of the therapeutic effect on S180 sarcoma are shown in table 42. See FIG. 14 for the real image of the therapeutic effect.

For the sake of comparison, the test results of the in vivo anti-tumor therapeutic effect are shown in table 43.

It can be seen from the results shown in table 43 that (1) among all 22 compounds tested, there are 7 compounds (compounds 4, 6, 10, 11, 33, 36 and 86) that exhibit an inhibition rate of tumors greater than 40% against both Lewis lung cancer cells and S180 sarcomata, and there are two compounds (compounds 3 and 37) that exhibit an inhibition rate of tumors greater than 40% merely against Lewis lung cancer cells; (2) compounds 6 and 36 have the strongest anti-tumor effect on Lewis lung cancer cells and have an inhibition rate of up to 46.9%; (3) among all 22 compounds tested, except compounds 14, 15, 27 and 55 have an anti-tumor activity against Lewis lung cancer cells a little worse than or equivalent to that of harmines (compound 1), all the other compounds anti-tumor activity is higher than that of harmines, and (4) Lewis lung cancer cells are more sensitive to the anti-tumor activity of β-carboline alkaloid derivatives than S180 sarcoma.

TABLE 43 The antitumor activity of β-carboline derivatives in vivo

Inhibition rate (%) Lewis S180 Compd R₁ R₂ R₃ R₇ R₉ cancer sarcomata  1* CH₃ H H CH₃O H 34.1 15.3  2* CH₃ H H CH₃O CH₃ 38.1 32.1  3* CH₃ H H CH₃O C₂H₅ 42.0 37.6  4* CH₃ H H CH₃O n-C₄H₉ 44.0 40.9  6* CH₃ H H CH₃O CH₂C₆H₅ 46.9 45.2 10 H H CO₂C₂H₅ H H 41.98 40.46 11 CH₃ H CO₂C₂H₅ H H 44.22 44.21 14 C₆H₅ H CO₂CH₃ H H 32.06 34.16 15 C₆H₅-p-OCH₃ H CO₂CH₃ H H 35.50 32.10 16 C₆H₅-p-OH H CO₂CH₃ H H 37.86 32.96 17* H H COOH H H 33.4 32.2 26* H H CO₂CH₃ H CH₃ 35.0 31.1 27* H H CO₂CH₃ H C₂H₅ 30.5 29.0 31 H H CO₂C₂H₅ H C₂H₅ 37.02 36.21 33 H H CO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ 43.3 42.11 36 H H COOH H n-C₄H₉ 46.91 43.07 37 H H COOH H CH₂C₆H₅ 43.22 34.39 42 H H CH₂OH H CH₂C₆H₅ 34.47 28.09 48 H H COOH H (CH₂)₃C₆H₅ 39.59 32.22 55 H H NHCO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ 30.93 29.12 84 H H H H CH₂C₆H₅ 37.29 37.19 86 H CH₂C₆H₅ CO₂C₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ 41.56 41.11

Example 124 DNA Photocleavage Effect of β-Carboline Derivatives Materials and Methods 1. Materials (1) Instruments

DYY-2C electrophoresis apparatus (Beijing Liuyi Instrument Factory), DYCP-31D electrophoresis cell (Beijing Liuyi Instrument Factory) and gel image system was used.

(2) Reagents

Plasmid pGBK (8.0 Kb, stored by this lab), agarose, Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH: 7.5), and E.Z.N.A. plasmid minipreps kit I (OmegaBio-Tek, U.S.) was used.

Chemicals: compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 17, 34, 35, 36, 37, 56, 57, 58, 68, 69, 70, 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84. See table 1 for the structures of said compounds.

2. Methods

(1) Plasmids pGBK

Plasmid pGBK was prepared using Escherichia coli culture and then was purified using an E.Z.N.A. Plasmid Minipreps Kit I. The plasmid was suspended in Tris-EDTA buffer and detected with agarose gel electrophoresis, and then stored at −20° C.

(2) DNA Photocleavage Examination

The experiments were carried out in a volume of 20 μl containing 0.3 μg of plasmid pGBK DNA in Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5) and various harmine derivatives with different concentration. Reaction volumes were held in polyethylene microcentrifuge tubes, and then irradiated under a mercury-vapor ultraviolet light (8 w, 365 nm, 5 cm distance). Samples were irradiated for 2 h at room temperature. Identical treatments were placed in dark at room temperature. After irradiation, a 2 μl of a mixture containing 50% sucrose and 0.25% bromophenol blue was added to the irradiated solution. Samples were analyzed by electrophoresis on 0.7% agarose horizontal slab gel containing 0.5 ug/mL-1 ethidium bromide in Tris-EDTA buffer (40 mM Tris, 20 mM acetic acid, 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0). Untreated pGBK DNA was used as control. Electrophoretic analyses were carried out at 100 Vcm-1 for 1 h. Gels were photographed under UV light with Bio-Rad digital camara.

3. Results

According to the ratio of the circular nicked DNA formed under such conditions to the supercoiled DNA, the photo-induced DNA cleaving abilities of various β-carboline derivatives were confirmed.

The results are shown in FIG. 1.

We can primarily arrive at the following structure-activity relationships according to the above results: (1) the photocleavage activity of β-carboline derivatives is dependent on the presence, position and properties of the substituents on the β-carboline ring, and (2) electron-releasing substituents on the β-carboline ring facilitate the photo-induced DNA cleavage ability, whereas electron-withdrawing substituents were detrimental to their DNA cleavage activity.

Example 125 DNA Thermal Denaturation Studies of β-Carboline Derivatives 1. Materials

Instruments: UV 2501PC spectrograph (Shimadzu, Japan), SP-752 UV spectrophotometer (installed with constant temperature water bath accessory and analysis software, Shanghai Spectrograph Plant), CT-DNA (Sigma), PE buffer solution (1 mM Na₂HPO₄, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 7.6) were used.

Chemicals: 19 β-carboline derivatives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 33, 36, 39, 42, 49, 66, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84. See table 2 for their structures. Adriamycin hydrochloride and camptothecin (Sigma Company).

2. Methods (1) Determination of _(Δ)T_(m)

Experiments were carried out in PE buffer (1 mM Na2HPO4, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 7.6) in a thermostatically controlled cell hold, and the quartz cuvette (1 cm path length) was heated by circulating water at a heating rate of 0.5° C./min from 25 to 95° C. Amsacrine and Doxorubicin Hydrochloride were used as standards. In all cases, the concentration of CT-DNA was 15 ug/ml. The ‘melting’ temperature T_(m) was taken as the mid-point of the hyperchromic transition.

According to the above operational conditions, 20 uM various β-carboline derivatives were added each time, and the changes of the Tm curves prior to the addition of the compounds and after the addition of the compounds were observed. ΔTm value of each compound was calculated according to the following formula:

_(Δ) T _(m) =T _(m) ^(drug-DNA complex) −T _(m) ^(DNA alone)

The _(Δ)Tm of each compound was calculated, Experiments were repeated three times, and an average value was calculated.

(2) UV Absorption Spectrum Method

CT-DNA (40 ug/ml) was added into a PE suffer solution (pH7.6), and its scan curve was identified by a UV 2501PC UV spectrograph at a wavelength of from 200 to 400 nm. Compounds to be tested (20 uM) were added into the PE buffer solution, and its scan curve was identified by the spectrograph at a wavelength of from 200 to 400 nm. CT-DNA (40 ug/ml) and compounds to be tested (20 uM) were added into the PE buffer solution. The mixture was cultured at 37° C. for 2 h, and its scan curve was identified by the UV spectrograph at a wavelength of from 200 to 400 nm. A curve showing that DNA did not react with the medicaments tested was calculated by the addition of the scan curve of CT-DNA with the scan curve of the compounds tested to calculate the OD value at 260 nm of the curve. After that, the OD value at 260 nm of the scan curve of the medicaments tested and that of the CT-DNA mixture OD value at 260 nm of the scan curve were calculated and compared to determine the influences of the medicaments tested on the UV absorption spectrum of the DNA molecules.

Results (1) Influences of β-Carboline Derivatives on the T_(m) of the CT-DNA

See table 44 for the influences of β-carboline alkaloid derivatives on the Tm value of the CT-DNA, and FIG. 2 for the graphic exhibition. Under the conditions of these tests, the Tm value of CT-DNA is 61° C. We can see from the figures that β-carboline derivatives can increase the Tm value of CT-DNA and that compound 6 has the greatest influence on the Tm value of the CT-DNA. Compound 6 increased the Tm value of the CT-DNA by 10.3° C., which is equivalent to the insertion effect of adriamycin (_(Δ)Tm=10.8° C.) on the positive control group. The influence of compound 84 on the Tm value of the CT-DNA is relatively small, the _(Δ)Tm value is only 1.5° C. In particular, we also observed in the tests that the camptothecin for the positive control group and β-carboline compounds 33, 36 and 42 reduced the Tm of the CT-DNA. The ΔTm values are respectively −2.5° C. (camptothecin), −1.2° C. (compound 33), −1.5° C. (compound 36) and −0.3° C. (compound 42).

TABLE 44 Effect of binding by β-carboline derivatives on the thermal stability of the CT-DNA

Compounds R₁ R₂ R₃ R₇ R₉ ΔTm 1 CH₃ H H CH₃ H 8.5 2 CH₃ H H CH₃ CH₃ 5.3 3 CH₃ H H CH₃ C₂H₅ 7.3 4 CH₃ H H CH₃ n-C₄H₉ 6.7 5 CH₃ H H CH₃ C₂H₄OH 5.9 6 CH₃ H H CH₃ CH₂C₆H₅ 10.3 7 CH₃ H H CH₃ CH₂C₆F₅ 7.5 8 CH₃ H H CH₃ (CH₂)₃C₆H₅ 7.9 33 CH₃ H COOC₂H₅ H CH₂C₆H₅ −1.2 36 H H COOH H n-C₄H₉ −1.5 39 H H COOC₄H₉ H C₂H₅ 1.6 42 H H CH₂OH H CH₂C₆H₅ −0.3 80 H H H H H 3.1 81 H H H H CH₃ 3.3 82 H H H H C₂H₅ 4.2 83 H H H H n-C₄H₉ 2.4 84 H H H H CH₂C₆H₅ 1.5 Adriamycin 10.8 Camptothecin −2.5

(2) Effect of Absorbance by β-Carboline Derivatives on the UV Spectrum of the CT-DNA.

See FIG. 3 for the influence of β-carboline derivatives on the UV absorption spectrum of CT-DNA. It can be seen from the figure that (1) compounds 1, 3, 4, 6, 82 and 83 and the adriamycin can reduce the UV absorption of DNA, and the influence of adriamycin is the most significant, followed by compound 3; and (2) on the contrary, compounds 36, 37, 43, 49 and 66 and the camptothecin can increase the UV absorption of DNA, and the influence of compound 36 on the increase of UV absorption value of the DNA is the most obvious.

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1. A compound of the following formula (I)

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heterocyclic group and alkenyl, wherein the substituents are defined to be halogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxy, nitro, amino, hydroxyl and carboxyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxyl, ester group, carboxylate, acylamino, acyl halide group, linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkoxycarbonyl, mono- or multi-C₆₋₁₀ arylalkoxycarbonyl, and or heterocyclic oxycarbonyl, wherein the substituents are defined as above; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkoxy, carboxylic esters, carboxylic salts, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkoxy, and heterocyclic oxy group; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl-linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, and heterocyclic group, wherein the substituents are defined as above; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ arylalkyl, wherein the substituents are defined as above; X is selected from the group consisting of pharmacologically acceptable organic or inorganic acid radical, wherein the organic acids include Lewis acid, or R₅ and X do not co-exist; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ do not represent hydrogen at the same time, and when R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen, R₁ does not represent methyl and R₃ does not represent methoxy; when R₁ is methyl, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ do not represent hydrogen at the same time; when R₁ is methyl, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen, and R₃ is methoxy, R₄ is not methyl, ethyl or butyl; when R₁, R₃ R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen, R₂ is not C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl; when R₁ is methyl, R₂ is hydrogen, and R₃ is linear or branched alkoxy, R₄ and R₅ do not represent hydrogen at the same time, when R₁, R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen, R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl and X is trifluoromethylsilyl, R₅ is not n-propyl, allyl, or ortho-, meta-, or p-fluorobenzyl; and at the same time the following compounds are excluded: Ethyl 1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, Methyl-1-phenyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, Methyl 1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, β-Carboline-3-carboxylic acid, 3-Hydroxymethyl-β-carboline, 3-Amino-β-carboline, 3-[(Methoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline, 3-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline, Ethyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, Ethyl 1,9-dimethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, Ethyl 9-benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate, and 9-Methyl-β-carboline.
 2. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₆ linear or branched alkyl.
 3. The compound according to claim 2, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl.
 4. The compound according to claim 3, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₂ alkyl, phenyl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl.
 5. The compound according to claim 4, characterized in that R₁ is selected from hydrogen, methyl, phenyl, and mono- or multi-substituted phenyl.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The compound according to claim 5, characterized in that R₁ is hydrogen.
 8. The compound according to claim 5, characterized in that R₁ is methyl.
 9. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid, carboxylic metal salts, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, mono- or multi-C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, and when R₂ is a carboxylic metal salt, R₅ and X are not present simultaneously.
 10. The compound according to claim 9, characterized in that R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid, carboxylic metal salts, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl-C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, mono- or multi-phenyl-C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, and when R₂ is a carboxylic metal salt, R₅ and X are not present simultaneously.
 11. The compound according to claim 10, characterized in that R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid, carboxylic alkali metal salts, C₁₋₂ alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, wherein the alkali metals refer to lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The compound according to claim 12, characterized in that R₂ is hydrogen.
 14. The compound according to claim 12, characterized in that R₂ is carboxylic acid.
 15. The compound according to claim 12, characterized in that R₂ is sodium carboxylate.
 16. The compound according to claim 12, characterized in that R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl.
 17. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxy, and heterocyclic oxy group.
 18. The compound according to claim 17, characterized in that R₃ is selected from the group of hydrogen, hydroxyl, and C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxy.
 19. The compound according to claim 18, characterized in that R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₂ alkoxy.
 20. The compound according to claim 19, characterized in that R₃ is hydrogen.
 21. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl.
 22. The compound according to claim 21, characterized in that R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl.
 23. The compound according to claim 22, characterized in that R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl, phenyl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-(C₁₋₄) linear or branched alkyl.
 24. The compound according to claim 23, characterized in that R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The compound according to claim 25, characterized in that R₄ is butyl.
 27. The compound according to claim 25, characterized in that R₄ is benzyl.
 28. The compound according to claim 25, characterized in that R₄ is pentafluorobenzyl.
 29. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, and heterocyclic ring; or R₅ is not present.
 30. The compound according to claim 29, characterized in that R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, and heterocyclic ring; or R₅ is not present.
 31. The compound according to claim 30, characterized in that R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched C₂₋₃ alkyl, phenyl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl; or R₅ is not present.
 32. The compound according to claim 31, characterized in that R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl; or R₅ is not present.
 33. The compound according to claim 32, characterized in that R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, benzyl, mono- or multi-halogenated benzyl; or R₅ is not present.
 34. (canceled)
 35. The compound according to claim 34, characterized in that R₅ is hydrogen.
 36. The compound according to claim 34, characterized in that R₅ is benzyl.
 37. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitroxyl, sulfuric acid group, sulfonic acid group, and phosphate group; or X is not present.
 38. The compound according to claim 37, characterized in that X is halogen; or X is not present.
 39. (canceled)
 40. The compound according to claim 38, characterized in that X is chloro.
 41. The compound according to claim 38, characterized in that X is bromine.
 42. The compound according to claim 38, characterized in that X is iodine.
 43. The compound according to claim 1, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₆ linear or branched alkyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid group, carboxylates, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, mono- or multi-C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkoxy; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₆ linear or branched alkyl; X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, sulfonic acid group, sulfuric acid group, nitroxyl, and phosphate group; or R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 44. The compound according to claim 43, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₀₋₄ linear or branched alkyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid group, carboxylic alkali metal salts, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl, mono- or multi-C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxycarbonyl; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkoxy; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, hydroxyl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted C₆₋₁₀ aryl-C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl; X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, sulfuric acid group, sulfonic acid group, nitroxyl; or R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 45. The compound according to claim 44, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₂ alkyl, phenyl-C₀₋₂ alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₀₋₂ alkyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid group, carboxylic alkali metal salts, C₁₋₂ alkoxycarbonyl; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, and C₁₋₂ alkoxy; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl, and mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₃₋₄ linear or branched alkyl, phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl-C₁₋₂ alkyl; X is halogen; or R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 46. The compound according to claim 45, characterized in that R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, phenyl, mono- or multi-substituted phenyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxylic acid group, sodium or potassium carboxylate, and ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, and C₁₋₂ alkoxy; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ethyl, butyl, benzyl, and pentafluorobenzyl; R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear or branched butyl, benzyl, and pentafluorobenzyl; X is selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromine and iodine; or R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 47. The compound according to claim 46, wherein R₁ is hydrogen or methyl; R₂ is carboxylic acid group, sodium carboxylate, or ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is butyl or benzyl; R₅ is hydrogen or benzyl; X is chloro or bromine; or R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 48. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen; R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is benzyl; R₅ is hydrogen; and X is chloro.
 49. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen; R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is benzyl; R₅ and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 50. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is methyl; R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is pentafluorobenzyl; R₅ is hydrogen, and X is chloro.
 51. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is methyl; R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is pentafluorobenzyl; and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 52. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen; R₂ is COOH; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is n-butyl; R₅ is hydrogen; and X is chloro.
 53. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen; R₂ is COOH; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is n-butyl; R₅ is hydrogen; and X do not co-exist simultaneously.
 54. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen; R₂ is COOM; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is n-butyl; R₅ is hydrogen; X do not co-exist simultaneously; wherein M is a metal.
 55. (canceled)
 56. (canceled)
 57. The compound according to claim 55, wherein M is Na.
 58. The compound according to claim 55, wherein M is K.
 59. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is ethoxycarbonyl, R₃ is hydrogen, R₄ is benzyl, R₅ is benzyl and X is bromine.
 60. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is hydrogen, R₂ is hydrogen, R₃ is hydrogen, R₄ is benzyl, R₅ is benzyl and X is bromine.
 61. The compound according to claim 1, which is selected from the group consisting of the following compounds or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof: 9-Hydroxyethyl-7-methoxy-β-carboline; 9-Benzyl-7-methoxy-β-carboline; 9-(2′, 3′,4′,5′,6′-Pentafluoro)benzyl-7-methoxy-β-carboline; 9-Phenylpropyl-7-methoxy-β-carboline; Ethyl 1-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 1-n-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Methyl 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; 3-Acetyloxomethyl-β-carboline; Methyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Methyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Methyl 9-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Methyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Butyl 9-phenylpropyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Butyl 9-acetophenone-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Butyl 9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Butyl 9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Butyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Benzyl 9-benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; 9-Benzyl-3-hydroxymethyl-β-carboline; 9-Benzyl-3-acetyloxomethyl-β-carboline; 3-Carbohydrazide-9-ethyl-β-carboline; 3-Carbohydrazide-9-benzyl-β-carboline; 3-[(Methoxycarbonyl)amino]-9-ethyl-β-carboline; 3-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-9-ethyl-β-carboline; 3-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)amino]-9-benzyl-β-carboline; Ethyl 9-ethyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-butyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluoro)benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-phenylpropyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-acetophenone-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 1-propyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 1-propyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-benzyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Ethyl 9-phenylpropyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate; Methyl 1-phenyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate and Methyl 1-phenyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate.
 62. The compound according to claim 61, the pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof being hydrochloride salt.
 63. The compound according to claim 1, which is selected from the group consisting of the following compounds or pharmacologically acceptable carboxylates thereof: 9-Methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Butyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-(2′,3′,4′, 5′,6′-Pentafluoro)benzyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Phenylpropyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Acetophenone-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Methyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Ethyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Butyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-Pentafluoro)benzyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Phenylpropyl-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Acetophenone-1-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 1-Propyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 1-Propyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Benzyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 9-Phenylpropyl-1-propyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid; 1-Phenyl-9-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid and 1-Phenyl-9-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid.
 64. The compound according to claim 63, wherein the carboxylate is a carboxylic metal salt.
 65. (canceled)
 66. (canceled)
 67. The compound according to claim 65, wherein the alkali metal is Na.
 68. The compound according to claim 65, wherein the alkali metal is K.
 69. The compound according to claim 1, which is selected from the group consisting of the following compounds: 2,9-Dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium iodate; 2,9-Dimethyl-β-carbolinium iodate; and 2,9-Diethyl-β-carbolinium iodate;
 70. A method for preparing the compound according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: 1) dissolving harmine (1) 1 into an organic solvent or a mixed organic solvent;

2) adding 60% NaH and stirring it until there is no bubble formed; 3) adding halogenated alkane; 4) stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature for 1 to 5 h; and 5) subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 1,7,9-trisubstituted β-carboline alkaloids.
 71. A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: 1) using a compound of formula II as the raw material;

wherein R₃ is as defined above; said compound is reacted with an aldehyde (R₁CHO) under the Pictet-Spengler condensation conditions of organic synthesis to form a compound of formula III;

wherein R₁ and R₃ are as defined above; 2) the compound of formula III is reacted with an alcohol under conventional esterification conditions of organic synthesis to form a compound of formula IV;

wherein R₁ and R₃ are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 3) the compound of formula IV is reacted with a conventional oxidant under conventional oxidation conditions of organic synthesis to form a compound of formula V;

wherein R₁ and R₃ are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 4) dissolving the compound of formula V in an organic solvent or a mixed organic solvent; adding NaH and stirring it until there is no bubble formed, adding halogenated alkane or aromatics; stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature or by heating for 2 to 5 h; subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment to produce a compound of formula VI;

wherein R₁, R₃ and R₄ are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 5) the compound of formula VI is reacted with an organic or inorganic acid under conventional salt-forming conditions of organic synthesis to form a compound of formula Ia, i.e. a specific example of the compound of formula I;

wherein R₁, R₃, R₄ R₅ and X are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 6) a hydrolysis reaction is conducted with the compound of formula VI under conventional hydrolysis conditions of organic synthesis followed by acidification by a conventional method to form a compound of formula Ib, i.e. a specific example of the compound of formula I;

wherein R₁, R₃, R₄, R₅ and X are as defined above, the definition of R is the same as R₁, or R₅ and X are absent simultaneously; and 7) a hydrolysis reaction is conducted with the compound of formula VI under conventional hydrolysis conditions of organic synthesis followed by acidification by a conventional method to form a compound having a free carboxylic acid group and then to form a compound of formula Ic by forming a salt with a base according to a conventional method, i.e. a specific example of the compound of formula I;

wherein R₁, R₃, and R₄ are as defined above, the definition of R is the same as R₁, and M represents an alkali metal.
 72. A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: 1) mixing a compound of formula IV with glacial acetic acid,

2) adding selenium dioxide; 3) refluxing said mixture by heating for 12 h; and 4) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce a compound of formula VII

wherein R₁ and R₃ are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 5) dissolving the compound of formula VII in an organic solvent or a mixed organic solvent; adding NaH and stirring it until there is no bubble formed, adding halogenated alkane or aromatics; stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature or by heating for 2 to 5 h; subjecting said mixture to conventional post-treatment to produce a compound of formula VIII;

wherein R₁, R₃ and R₄ are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁; 6) the compound of formula VIII is reacted with an organic or inorganic acid under conventional salt-forming conditions of organic synthesis to form a compound of formula Id, i.e. a specific example of the compound of formula I;

wherein R₁, R₃, R₄ R₅ and X are as defined above, and the definition of R is the same as R₁.
 73. A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: 1) mixing a compound of the following formula with an organic solvent and 60% NaH;

wherein R₁=H and R₂=C₂H₅; 2) stirring and reacting said mixture at room temperature for 5 minutes; 3) adding benzyl iodide; 4) stirring and reacting the mixture at a temperature of from 50 to 70□ for 2 h; and 5) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium iodate.
 74. A process for preparing the compound according to claim 1 comprising the following steps: 1) mixing a compound of the following formula with an organic solvent and 60% NaH;

wherein R₁=H and R₂=C₂H₅; 2) adding benzyl bromide; 3) stirring and reacting said mixture at a temperature of from 50 to 700 for 5 h; and 4) subjecting the mixture to conventional post-treatment and purification to produce 2,9-dibenzyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-β-carbolinium bromate.
 75. A compound of the following formula (53a-55a):

wherein R₉ is methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl, mono- or polyhalogenated benzyl or mono- or polyhalogenated phenylpropyl.
 76. A pharmaceutical composition for treating tumors, comprising as an active ingredient at least one therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1, alone or combined with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable, inert and non-toxic excipients or carriers.
 77. Use of a compound of claim 1 in the manufacture of a medicament for treating tumors.
 78. The use according to claim 77, wherein the tumors refer to alimentary tract tumors, including oral carcinoma, oesophagus cancer, gastric carcinoma, liver cancer and intestinal cancer tumors.
 79. The use according to claim 77, wherein the tumors refer to the lung cancer tumors.
 80. (canceled)
 81. (canceled)
 82. (canceled)
 83. The use according to claim 77, wherein the tumors refer to the cervical carcinoma tumors.
 84. The use of a compound of claim 1 in the manufacture of a medicament combined with phototherapy and radiation therapy for treating tumors. 